Final Disposition
Released on 25 Mar 1998 with 9711-B
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.