1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34236
Ph: (941) 388-4441
Hours: 10AM - 5PM
A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Age Class | Juvenile |
Gender | Male |
Date Stranded | July 11, 1999 |
Location of Stranding | New Smyrna Beach, FL |
Date of Arrival | July 11, 1999 |
Number of Days of Care | 92 Days |
Released on 12 Oct 99 approx 1 mi SE of Ponce Inlet. Died within one week of unknown causes although possibly related to hurricane.
Peanut was eating and swimming from day 1. Initial wbc normal, but climbed to 52, 000 by day 9. Regenerative anemia then developed which resolved along with infection. Initial improvement in wbc was seen, but then followed several weeks during which wbc remained elevated. Finally a 4 antibiotic combination resulted in a normal wbc. However, reticulocyte counts remained elevated for weeks despite normal rbc indices. Major health problems included malnutrition, pneumonia, a gastrointestinal infection (suspected Pseudomonas sp), heavy parasitism by Nasitrema sp, and foreign body ingestion (marine sponges, tube worm casings, shells, plastic bag) probably a consequence of not being able to catch normal prey due to illness.
Followup: Peanut was successfully released and tracked via VHF for ~ 8 hr on 12 Oct. Reaquired signal the next morning within Ponce Inlet, no visual. Satellite transmitter failed- no signal on the day of release or after. Peanut's body was later discovered, extremely decomposed, having died during or prior to Hurricane Irene. Unable to determine cause of death due to advanced decomposition.
Lessons1- Corneal abrasions may require months (2 in this case) to heal sufficiently that the animal will open its eye.
2- Pseudomonads seem to be common pathogens in our cases. Two or more antibiotics need to be given together since these organisms can become resistant rapidly. Antibiotics should be chosen that have different modes of action. A sulfa (Di-Trim) and 2 quinolones (levaquin and Floxin), plus an aminoglycoside (oral Gentamycin) were used in combination in this case. Floxin may not have been necessary.
3- Bacterial infections may cause suppression of bone marrow resulting in regenerative anemia. It seems that in this case it took several weeks for the reticulocytosis to begin to normalize even after the anemia had resolved. This may be due to cytokines being produced which decrease the life span of the erythrocytes, thereby stimulating reticulocyte production. Dr Greg Bossart reports that he has seen a few cases like this which resolve on their own but take weeks to 6 months.
4- Despite all the best preparations, once a dolphin is released it must face all the dangers of everyday life in the wild.
5- Hurricanes are often unpredictable. Hurricane Irene was only a tropical depression at the time of release and was predicted to land on the west coast of Florida. Instead it crossed the state and traveled up the eastern coast.
6- Satellite transmitter technology needs to be improved. We have had several transmitter failures in the past years. Perhaps as more companies enter the market, quality will improve.
7- Pre-release desensitization to transport revealed that Peanut was more calm (better respiration character) in the water-filled raft than in the individual wet transporter.
Throughout the month of March, Mote Aquarium experiences high daily visitation volume with many timed ticketed entry slots selling out. Guests are highly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance in order to guarantee entry.
Mote Aquarium is open seven days a week at our normal hours, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. We hope to SEA you soon!