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Dolphin & Whale Hospital
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Current Patients
Vixen Moonshine Harley Former Patients CR Armand Ami Anna Maria Jade Nemo Mia Jason Dana Hemingway Hutch Ginny Peanut Hercules Holly Pumbaa Pasco Vera Alvin Blitzen Comet Donner Abbey Buster Gulliver Mark Belle Benny Juno Richey Lunar Freeway Matt |
| Species: Tursiops truncatus (bottlenose dolphin) Age Class: adult Gender: Male Date Stranded: 17 Sep 1996 Location of Stranding: Gulfside of Longboat Key, FL Date of Arrival at MML: 17 Sep 1996 Number of Days of Care: 15 Final Disposition: Euthanized on 1 Oct 1996 |
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Mark stranded with numerous, fresh, severe shark bite wounds and unusual, extensive, discrete, hyperplastic, firm skin nodules of unknown etiology. Antibiotic therapy and treatment for Nasitrema parasites were begun along with wound and supportive care. Infection of shark bite wounds and pneumonia developed. The dolphin's condition slowly deteriorated, resulting in the decision to euthanize. Necropsy and histopathology revealed pneumonia and hepatic failure with a resultant septicemia. Additionally, three fractured ribs showing some healing were also discovered. |
| Lessons: 1- On the beach, consider removing dolphin with fresh, bleeding wounds from the water rather than holding animal in the water, exposing people to possible attack by sharks. 2- Multiple full biopsies of unusual lesions should be taken. Some should be stored in -70 freezer, some in formalin, and some in gluteraldehyde. |
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