J. P. Schroeder1; H. R. Parker2; S. Giri2; M.
B. Cates2
The ability to objectively measure and interpret a bottlenose dolphin's
physiological and biochemical responses to a transport would enhance health management
decisions. Plasma analysis of prostaglandin (PG), (E2, 6-keto F1a,
F2a, TxB2) levels measured during six hour and twelve hour
simulated dolphin transports indicated elevations from baseline values of these PGs and took
over 18 hours to return to normal.
This is a small portion of a dolphin's overall response to a stressor, but,
when compared to data from other analyses, will add to the understanding of homeostatic
mechanisms.