Shark bite wound

This offshore bottlenose dolphin was found on an island in the St. Johns River. It was transported, first by boat and then by truck by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission personnel to an awaiting Sea World Adventure Park truck, which then transported the animal to the Dolphin and Whale Hospital. The animal has a large shark bite on the left side of its chest, has some liver compromise, but otherwise seems to be in reasonable condition. The animal is not swimming, so it must be supported around the clock by staff and volunteers.

6/29 Yesterday afternoon, we performed a number of tests as well as an ECG and ultrasound exam. Tests indicated severe infections developing in a number of different locations, despite the two antibiotics the animal was receiving. It began to take solid food during the afternoon. At midnight, it ate three herrings, but suddenly began showing unusual symptoms and died at about 1:30 am. A necropsy will be performed later today to identify the cause of death.

6/29 pm Necropsy today gave every indication that the animal had died from an overwhelming infection (bacteremia or septicemia), possibly originating from the shark bite. Bacterial cultures should confirm this in the next few days and histopath final results will not be available for a month or two.