Dolphin blood-test results reveal serious infection

Phuket Gazette

The dolphin is so weak that it often needs to be held while it swims. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

The dolphin received an injection to prevent it from going into shock while being transferred to the PMBC. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- Blood tests have revealed that the stranded striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) rescued in Phuket waters Sunday morning has a serious infection and only a 10 to 30 per cent chance of survival.

The young female dolphin was recovered from the sea after being sighted by staff from Karon Beach Resort, and was transferred to Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC), Marine Endangered Species Unit (MESU).

A broad spectrum of antibiotics have been prescribed for the dolphin as an interim measure, MESU veterinarian Patcharaporn Kaewmong told the Gazette today.

Once a blood culture has been grown and the pathogen identified, the correct antibiotic can be administered to the dolphin, Dr Patcharaporn explained.

The 34 kilogram dolphin is currently being kept in MESU’s swimming pool and is receiving 24 hour care by the staff.

“She needs to be held so she can swim. Sometimes she can swim on her own, but other times she needs help, because she swims on her side,” said Dr Patcharaporn.

The dolphin, unable to eat by herself, is being fed with a rubber tube.

“There is only a 10 to 30 per cent chance that a stranded dolphin will survive because most are already seriously ill before they come ashore,” explained Dr Patcharaporn.

“Even though she does not seem to be getting any better, we will do our best to save her,” she added.

Source: http://www.phuketgaz...ticle16007.html

-- Phuket Gazette 2012-05-22

Let's hope the dolphin survives and we find out what caused the infection.

The odd times we see dolphins are always enjoyed by everyone on board the boat. It would be terrible if it is something that decimates the dolphin population.

Phuket's 'rescued dolphin' dead

Phuket Gazette

Marine biologists trying to nurse the dolphin back to health at the Phuket Marine Biology Center. The dolphin died yesterday from a serious blood infection. Photo: PMBC

PHUKET: -- The striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) rescued off Phuket’s Kata Beach on Sunday has died.

Patcharaporn Kaewmong, a veterinarian at the Phuket Marine Biological Center’s Marine Endangered Species Unit, said the dolphin died at 6am yesterday.

“We will conduct a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death,” she said.

Fears for the young female dolphin surfaced yesterday when it was confirmed that the dolphin had a serious infection and only a 10 to 30 per cent chance of survival.

A broad spectrum of antibiotics were prescribed as an interim measure while marine biologists at the center conducted tests to determine which course of treatment to administer.

“We are in a hurry to find what caused her death. I believe we will find out today,” Ms Patcharaporn said.

Source: http://www.phuketgaz...ticle16017.html

-- Phuket Gazette 2012-05-23