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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 |
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| Species: Mesoplodon europaeus (Gervais beaked whale) Age Class: sub adult? Gender: Male Date Stranded: 13 October 1998 Location of Stranding: Reddington Pier, Clearwater, FL Date of Arrival at MML: 13 October 98 Number of Days of Care: 10 Final Disposition: Died on 23 October 98 Cause of Death: Septicemia; possible viral lung lesions (not morbillivirus) with secondary bacterial infection. |
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Pumbaa, a Gervais beaked whale, was unable to swim and was inappetant for the entire time of treatment. Because of his large size (1500 pounds) he was supported in the shallow end of the rehabilitation lagoon by four to eight volunteers at a time, 24 hours per day. His respiration rate was exceptionally low, 0-1 breath per five minutes, but this is likely normal for this little-known, deep diving species. Pumbaa was treated for possible gastric ulcers and for pneumonia. Very little improvement was noted during treatment. Necropsy revealed pneumonia and a generalized, multi organ infection (septicemia). |
| Lessons 1- 60-65% is normal HCT for this species. 2- 6-8 stomach compartments (or sacculations of the intestines); 1st stomach is of expected size relative to body; this individual took 4 L of oral fluids easily. 3- Able to give IV fluids in larger individuals through fluke vasculature. |
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