Comments/Disposition:
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. MML 9711-D died shortly after arrival; 9711-C was euthanized due to multi-organ system failure on 21 Dec.
Blitzen 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. Blitzen began eating and swimming on day 2. Later treated for possible nematodes, and treated with low dose aspirin as a blood thinner in response to blood clots seen in 9711-C. Alvin and Blitzen were released together, having been off antibiotics for over a month with stable blood values. They were tracked for 112 days by satellite transmitter throughout the northeaster Gulf of Mexico and were seen together by a fisherman 5 months after release.
Followup: Tracked via radio and satellite tags
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.
Publication
Manire, C. A., H. L. Rhinehart. In press. "Use of human recombinant erythropoietin for the treatment of nonregenerative anemia in the rough-toothed dolphin, Steno bredanensis." Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 2000
PresentationsManire, C. A., and H. L. Rhinehart. "The use of human recombinant erythropoietin for the treatment of nonregenerative anemia in the rough-toothed dolphin, Steno bredanensis." Oral presentation at the International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine 30th annual conference, Boston, MA. 1999.
Rhinehart, H. L., C. A. Manire, J. D. Buck, P. Cunningham-Smith, and D. R. Smith. "Observations and rehabilitation of rough-toothed dolphins, Steno bredanensis, treated at Mote Marine Laboratory from two separate stranding events." Poster presentation at the 13th biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, Maui, HI. 1999.
Wells, R. S., C. A. Manire, H. L. Rhinehart, D. R. Smith, A. Westgate, F. Townsend, T. Rowles, A Hohn, and L. Hansen. "Ranging patterns of rehabilitated rough-toothed dolphins, Steno bredanensis, released in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico." Oral presentation at the 13th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, Maui, HI. 1999.
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