Grant: 23-026C
Project Title: Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Ultrasound System
Project Manager: Bette Zirkelbach
Organization: Hidden Harbor Marine Environmental Project (The Turtle Hospital) (Non-Profit Organization)
Grant Amount: $18,259.65
Completion Date:
Summary: The Turtle Hospital will purchase a new Ultrasound System to replace the antiquated ultrasound currently in use at the Turtle Hospital. The Ultrasound System is an important addition to the diagnostic repertoire used for sea turtles. This ultrasound machine has 3 probes for the diversity of sizes of sea turtles presented to the Turtle Hospital. The resolution of this machine is very good and superior to the hospital’s existing ultrasound equipment. Ultrasound imaging in sea turtles is particularly useful for evaluating the kidneys, urinary bladder, GI tract, liver and gallbladder, esophagus, heart, vessels, fluid in the body cavity, and the reproductive tract. The Turtle Hospital is interested in using ultrasound more for evaluating internal fibropapilloma tumors, general scans on new arrivals as well as serial scans for turtles undergoing rehabilitation. Ultrasound can be helpful in obtaining less invasive fluid aspirates and biopsies. Reproductive evaluation in sea turtles is best accomplished with ultrasound. This machine has been evaluated by Dr. Norton and collaborating radiologists and found to be the best option over several other machines. The new ultrasound system will allow our veterinary team to better diagnose sea turtles in rehabilitation at the Turtle Hospital with minimally invasive procedures. A new, high resolution ultrasound system will assure seamless treatment of sea turtles at the Turtle Hospital.
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