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.

Comet presented in good body condition with neutrophilia, elevated liver values, pneumonia, possible kidney disease, tachycardia, heat necrosis of Left axilla; He was started on antibiotics, oral fluids. Comet began eating on day 1 and was doing the best of the three initially.  By day 3, however, a downward trend began including elevations in liver and kidney values, sloughing of entire epidermis on caudal half of peduncle.  He was humanely euthanized three days later and necropsy revealed multi organ system failure and severe cardiovascular disease.
 

Findings:  multisystemic organ failure secondary to congestive heart failure, renal failure, thromboembolic disease and terminal cardiogenic shock.  Meningioencephalitis due to parasitic ova. 

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.


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

Presentations
Manire, 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.