Treatment of Red Sea Hawksbill Turtle, Eretmochelys Imbricata Suffered from Floating Syndrome Using Activated Charcoal-Simethicone Combination

Abstract

The hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricate, is one of the most critically endangered marine turtle species worldwide. A juvenile Hawksbill Sea turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata was admitted to the diagnosis and treatment unit of the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), Hurghada in June 2022. It suffered from dehydration, generalized weakness, external injuries, and floating syndrome. Rehydration therapy was immediately initiated, followed by a treatment plan which included aspiration of the gases accumulated in the coelomic cavity. Even though temporary relief was achieved after each aspiration, the floating relapsed after 48h. Using a combination of activated charcoal and simethicone in parallel to the aspiration protocol, together with a broad-spectrum supporting antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy, achieved restauration of the gastric motility, decreased the accumulated gases, and allowed a complete recovery of the turtle.