Having that lump checked
Patty, our diamondback terrapin who lost her top shell due to being exposed to freezing conditions on Cape Cod almost one year ago, had a minor procedure to have a lump checked. The mass was felt on a physical exam and confirmed on CT, but the exact nature of the mass is uncertain. A soft tissue needle core sample was taken for histopathology, culture, and cytology. After some pain medications and a brief stay out of her tank, Patty was soon returned to relax for the rest of the day. Results may take a week or more, but it will take longer then that for her shell to regrow, if this is even possible.

Patty has a minor procedure to biopsy a mass







The National Marine Life Center is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) marine animal hospital and science and education center dedicated to rehabilitating for release stranded sea turtles, seals, dolphins, porpoises, and small whales, and to advancing scientific knowledge and education in marine wildlife health and conservation.

Patty is an amazing terrapin with lots of curiosity and heart! We hope her lump is nothing serious and that her top shell grows back so she can be released some day.