- Admitted
- April 11, 2024
- Rescue Location
- Lynchburg, Virginia
- Cause of Admission/Condition
- Suspected vehicle collision
- Status
- Former Patient
Last Updated Jump to patient updates
On April 11, this (very large!) Snapping Turtle was found in a parking lot in Lynchburg, Virginia. The finder reported that the turtle had an injured shell, likely from being hit by a vehicle; while a turtle's shell offers great protection from predators, even large turtles are not safe from multi-ton cars and trucks. A Center volunteer was able to contain the injured turtle and bring it in for care.
On admission, the turtle was dull and did not respond to handling. The veterinary team quickly examined the turtle and found a large fracture on the left side of its shell. Luckily, a series of radiographs revealed that the fracture was not as deep as it appeared—it had not entered the turtle's coelom (body cavity), meaning that treatment was possible. However, the turtle's dull mentation raised concerns about head trauma.
After the exam, the turtle was weighed (11.9kg) and started on strong pain medication and antibiotics; due to its large size, it was kept in a tub next to the hospital's surgical room where it could be easily accessed for treatment.
The vet team anesthetized the turtle the following day and used specialized putty and metal bars to stabilize the fracture site. Over time, this helps the shell fuse back together, just as other bones can. After the procedure, the turtle was placed back in its tub to recover.
Given the turtle's dull mentation, its prognosis is guarded. The veterinary team will continue to monitor this patient for any changes in attitude and will clean the fracture site daily. They plan to move the turtle outdoors once the temperature is consistently warm enough.
This is the time of year when many turtles are coming out of winter brumation in Virginia, and you're more likely to encounter them crossing roads. If you find an injured turtle, contact the closest wildlife veterinarian or permitted rehabilitator. Make sure to record details of the rescue location so that the turtle can be returned once it has healed. For more tips on helping turtles, visit our help and advice page.
Patient Updates
Unfortunately, after two months of treatment, this Snapping Turtle was found deceased in its outdoor enclosure on June 5. Its exact cause of death is not known, but it is suspected to be related to possible sepsis (severe systemic infection), head trauma, or other complications related to its injuries.