Final Disposition
Died on 4 Dec 1996
Belle stranded, emaciated, weak, and unable to swim, with her left pectoral flipper held rigidly outward. Initial diagnosis of anorexia, bradycardia, possible liver disease, rectal gas, and pulmonary congestion. Began on antibiotics, ulcer medication, and fluids. Began eating on 25 Jul. Belle was transferred to Clearwater Marine Aquarium on 29 July and began swimming shortly thereafter. Belle never fully recovered and died on 4 December of a brain infection.
On 18 July Belle experienced a respiratory emergency wherein her respirations climbed as high as 20/min with gas being expelled with each breath from her mouth. The condition resolved on its own.
An echocardiogram was performed on 19 Jul indicating dilated cardiomyopathy with right ventricular hypertrophy (often secondary to chronic lung pathology in humans)
On 27 July bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage was performed but esophageal/gastric contamination of samples was suspected.
Cause of Death: meningoencephalitis, etiologic agent unknown