Abstract

Melioidosis caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei requires a long and intensive antibiotic course and intensive medical care. The eradication phase consists of large volumes of antibiotics tid. Antibiotics, fluids and other drugs are typically administered SC in sea lions whereas in all other species IV would be the route of choice. Large volume SC injections are also a challenging operation in animals that are emaciated and dehydrated. The lack of easy reliable vascular access in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) has long been a limiting or complicating factor in treating this species.

This paper outlines the diagnosis and treatment of melioidosis in pinnipeds and describes the placement and management of an IV central jugular catheter to allow repeat vascular access for 46 days for the successful treatment of melioidosis and administration of fluids and antibiotics as well as repeat blood sampling and pharmacokinetics studies in a trained California sea lion in Ocean Park, Hong Kong.

Acknowledgements

Ocean park staff wishes to thank the oncology team at Pok Oi Hospital for their coaching in indwelling catheters placement.