Eastern Box Turtle Amputated Leg: Patient 20-307

In late May, we received a call regarding an Eastern Box Turtle. No one knows exactly what happened to him, but it was clear he needed help.

Injury Leads to Amputation

The turtle’s front left arm had been severely injured. Fractured in multiple places and barely attached to his body, amputation was the best option. He was stabilized at the wildlife center for a few days before surgery was scheduled with Dr. Lopresto of East York Veterinary Center.

Surgery went well! Only a few hours after waking, the turtle was active, alert and moving around. By the next day, he was eating on his own and navigating his whole enclosure.

We continued to monitor his wound for several weeks after the surgery to ensure proper healing. We tested his skills to navigate different terrain and forage for food. He passed all tests with flying colors and was successfully reintroduced back into his home territory.

Turtle populations are in decline. Every individual, especially successful adults, are extremely important to the continuation of local populations and the species. Remember, NEVER remove a turtle from its home to relocate or keep it as a pet. Find out more about what to do when you find a turtle here.