Case Report: Fatal Ingestion of a Foreign Object by a Captive Atlantic Bottlenosed Dolphin
J. Lowenstein; R. L. Jenkins; P.T. Cardeilhac
College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville FL; Marineland of Florida,
St Augustine FL
On May 20, 1982, an adult male Atlantic Bottlenosed Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) suspected of ingestion of a foreign object was removed from the Circular Tank at Marineland of Florida. Tentative diagnosis was based on a past history of foreign object ingestion plus clinical signs of depression, anorexia, and pale mucous membranes. On physical examination the dolphin was febrile with weight loss and a bloody feces noted. Emesis was indicated and attempted utilizing mineral oil given via stomach tube. The dolphin apparently went into shock following intubation and died. A necropsy was performed and gastric lesions due to a 19 cm X 12 cm X 10 cm foreign object confirmed. Necropsy and clinical values indicated a systemic disease was present.