Dopey (Seven Dwarfs)

Rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis)

(MML 0414-B, HBOI 0421)

Age Class Adult
Gender Male
Date Stranded August 5, 2004
Location of Stranding Hutchinson Island, Florida (near Ft. Pierce)
Date of Arrival August 7, 2004
Number of Days of Care 65 days

Final Disposition

Died on October 14, 2004

Doc (left) swimming in formation with Dopey

This dolphin stranded with about 37 others of the same species. All were pushed back, but restranded again. Dolphin was brought to the Dolphin and Whale Hospital with six others of the same group for rehabilitation.

8/9 Dolphin has pneumonia, liver problems, high white count, and external wounds. Started on antibiotics and fluids.

8/15 Dolphin is now on solid food but pneumonia has not improved. Changing antibiotics.

8/21 Dolphin's appetite is now excellent and dolphin is doing somewhat better.

8/23 Dolphin is now improving and gaining weight.

8/25 Dolphin continues to improve and is becoming somewhat playful.

8/27 Dolphin continues to gain weight and do well. Lungs are almost healed at this point.

8/30 Still some lung issues on one side, but doing well otherwise.

9/1 Dolphin has been very active and playful.

9/3 Dolphin continues to do very well except for minor lung issues. We are preparing for Hurricane Frances, so the next update may be a few days away.

9/7 Dolphin did well during the hurricane and is doing very well today.

9/9 This dolphin is doing very well and may be off meds by late next week.

9/13 Continuing to do well. Off most meds at this point.

9/16 These dolphins seem to be passing around something similar to "strep throat" and are hesitant to eat at times. Otherwise, doing well.

9/19 Dolphin has a variable appetite, but is slowly improving. Still active.

9/21 Appetite has returned almost to normal.

9/23 Appetite is better and still very active.

9/29 Dolphin seems to be fully back to normal.

10/1 Very active and playful.

10/9 Dolphin continues to do very well.

10/12 Continuing to do very well.

10/14 Bad news! Without any symptoms or warning, this dolphin suddenly died about noon today. Necropsy will be performed this afternoon.

10/15 Necropsy revealed lesions in the lungs and brain. We suspect a fungal pneumonia and fungal encephalitis such as zygomycosis.

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