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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: Steno bredanensis (rough-toothed dolphin) Age Class: adult Gender: Male Date Stranded: 14 Dec 1997 Location of Stranding: Port St Joe, FL Date of Arrival at MML: 16 Dec 1997 Number of Days of Care: 101 Final Disposition: Released on 25 Mar 1998 with 9711-B Followup: Tracked via radio and satellite tags |
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MML 9711-A-D were 4 dolphins which were part of a mass stranding of 62 animals. They were cared for near the stranding site until they could be transported to MML. Alvin presented in good body condition with neutrophilia, elevated liver values, bilateral congestion of both lungs, tachycardia, heat necrosis of left axilla and pec; he was started on antibiotics, oral fluids. Alvin began eating and swimming within a few days. Later treated for possible nematodes and possible renal trematodes; also treated with low dose aspirin as blood thinner in response to blood clots seen in 9711-C. Case was characterized by a persistent hematuria, proteinuria (repeated cultures of urine were negative). Alvin also developed a nonregenerative anemia. Erythropoietin was successfully used to stimulate RBC production. The dolphin's hematuria/proteinuria was found to be non-treatable, non-contagious, and fully compensated for- hence this dolphin was deemed releasable by NMFS. Alvin and Blitzen were released together, having been off antibiotics for over a month with stable blood values. The two were tracked for 112 days by satellite transmitter throughout the northeastern Gulf of Mexico and were seen by a fisherman 5 months after release. |
| Lessons: 1- Stenos are a very social, schooling species showing epimeletic behavior 2- Transporting multiple dolphins in water-filled container (raft) worked well and reduced the stress level for the dolphins. 3- This species often decapitates fish; messy eaters. 4- Flying fish appears to be a normal food item; if unavailable try ballyhoo. 5- Aspirin 1-2 mg/kg sid po may prevent blood clots in dolphins; watch for possible developing anemia 6- Stenos require warm water (75-80 F). Providing warm water likely aided in their recovery. 7- Erythropoietin was useful in this case and may be useful in other species for treatment of non-regenerative anemia. |
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