Vet team perform complex sea turtle surgery

Our skilled vet team recently performed a complex surgical procedure on a sea turtle patient — a coeliotomy (a surgical incision into the abdominal cavity) 

This turtle was a part of the cluster of stranded sea turtles that were rescued in the last year and was stabilised at Auckland Zoo before being transferred to SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s on 2nd December 2024 for rehabilitation. In January, she developed foul-smelling breath, and although initial X-rays and blood tests were inconclusive, a CT scan in March revealed something serious: a gastric intussusception - this is where the small intestine had slid into the stomach, risking a dangerous blockage of the bowel.

Given the severity of the condition and the turtle’s declining health, surgery was the only option. With the turtle anaesthetised, it was placed securely on its side for the vet team to carefully access the abdominal cavity through an incision near the hind leg. 

Sections of the intestines were gently brought out of the incision (and were kept moist and sterile) allowing the team to reverse the intussusception. An endoscope (a long thin medical camera) was used to inspect sections of the intestine that couldn’t be brought outside the body. 

This was high-risk surgery, with concerns about tissue viability, blood supply, and the potential for post-operative infection. But the turtle pulled through incredibly well.

In the days following, an x-ray contrast study confirmed that the intestines were now in a normal position, and we’re closely monitoring her eating habits and faecal output to ensure everything remains on track.

“We’re cautiously optimistic and hope she’ll continue to recover well. She has been returned to Kelly Tarlton’s for ongoing care, with the ultimate goal of release back to the wild,” explains Zoo veterinarian Adam.