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Surgical repair of severe flipper lacerations in a loggerhead, caretta caretta, and a Kemp's ridley, Lepidochelys kempii, sea turtle

Abstract:

A loggerhead, Caretta caretta, and a Kemp's ridley, Lepidochelys kempii, sea turtle were presented to the North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine for evaluation of distal flipper injuries. The goal for both animals at presentation was to preserve limb fu ction and avoid complete amputation. A severe full-thickness flipper laceration was successfully reapposed in the first case, and a rotational flap was used to cover exposed tissue in the second case. Limb function was improved and complete amputations were avoided in both turtles. © 2009 American Association of Zoo Veterinarians.