Surgical repair of a depressed fracture in a green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas

Sea turtles are considered to be endangered species. A depressed fracture o f a 35 kg green sea turtle was treated surgically. Isoflurane was used for induction and maintenance of anesthesia. Slow induction of and slow recover y from anesthesia was remarkable. After the operation, there was an improve ment of general status, but head tilt and weakness of the left limbs persis ted. As the turtle did not eat, force feeding using stomach tube was perfor med. The turtle died at about 6 months after the surgery.