Hook remains in a defensive position, using the front flippers as shields.
Radiographs show the hook wrapped around the trachea.
Endoscopy revealed several small pieces of shell in the esophagus, and larger pieces of shell and food in the stomach. The Sea Turtle was placed in dorsal recumbency, and the ventral neck prepped with povidone iodine solution. The hook was manipulated from the oral cavity and a1.5 cm horizontal incision was made over the hook, in a skin groove. The esophagus was exposed using a blunt dissection. The end of the hook could not be palpated because it was imbedded in the hyoid bone rostrally.