Search

Anesthesia and surgery in cetaceans have inherent risks and have rarely been utilized as viable treatment options. This report represents the first known multidisciplinary team approach to emergency laparotomy in a compromised, 22-yr-old, female Pacific white-sided dolphin ( Lagenorhynchus obliquidens). The inciting clinical signs and ancillary diagnostics were consistent with a mechanical ileus. Although no torsion or obstruction was apparent during surgery, severe enteritis and peritonitis were noted. Postoperatively, the animal was maintained on aggressive medical management with continuous supportive care until succumbing 3 days later with clinical pathology indicative of terminal sepsis and profound inflammation. Postmortem findings included generalized vascular stasis and segmental intestinal volvulus with infarction. To the authors' knowledge, this is one of the most-complex surgical and anesthetic procedures performed in a cetacean. Though the outcome was unsuccessful, this case represents the aquatic veterinary community's collective advances in the ability to treat cetaceans under human care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Because laparoscopic surgery eliminates the side effects of general anesthesia, the success and therefore the use of laparoscopic surgery continues to broaden. Laparoscopic ovariectomy, once only used to treat medical problems such as granulosa cell tumors, is now being expanded to treat behavioral problems in mares. Thirty-five mares with behavioral or medical problems were treated with ovariectomies, and their owners were later contacted and questioned concerning the effect of ovariectomy on their mares. Behavioral improvement was seen in 83% (19/23) of mares treated for behavior-related problems. Aggression problems improved in 86% (12/14) of cases, general disagreeable demeanor improved in 81% (17/21), and excitability improved in 75% (12/16) of cases in which these behaviors were previously observed. Kicking and biting improved in 73% (8/11), problems in training improved in 72% (13/18), and frequent urination and problems with other horses improved in 64% (7/11 and 9/14, respectively) of cases. Owners with nonovariectomized mares also were contacted to compare the normal progression of mare behavior over time with the behavioral change in ovariectomized mares. A statistically significant change in behavior of ovariectomized mares over nonovariectomized mares was seen in the categories of decreased aggression (P < .01), decreased training problems (P < .025), decreased frequency of problem behaviors (P < .001), and improved overall behavior (P < .01). In cases in which medical problems such as granulosa cell tumors, ovarian cysts, and cycle-related colic were treated with ovariectomy, all of the clients were very satisfied with the treatment, whereas clients attempting to treat cycle-related laminitis were dissatisfied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Surgical intervention on cetaceans is rarely performed due to challenges including general anesthesia and post-operative wound healing. This report describes the evaluation and treatment of an adult female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) with the US Navy Marine Mammal Program, with a chronic ventral cervical abscess caused by Candida glabrata. Despite aspiration and lavage along with multiple antifungal drugs, the patient developed inspiratory stridor with decreased performance level and surgical treatment was pursued. Under general anesthesia with the dolphin in dorsal recumbency position a 12-cm longitudinal ventral midline neck incision was used for exploration. Intraoperative ultrasound aided the identification of surgical landmarks and the abscess cavity. After adequate drainage and curettage, a closed-suction drain was placed in the surgical site. Retention sutures were used to close the incision and the external drain bulb was secured to a pectoral fin strap. One-year post-op, the dolphin was clinically normal and follow-up imaging showed no significant recurrence of the abscess. This case demonstrates a novel surgical approach of managing abscesses in dolphins, including placement and management of a negative suction drain in a submerged patient. The successful collaboration between veterinary anesthesiology, veterinary medicine, radiology, and general surgery allowed the patient to continue her normal activities as a full-duty service member. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]