Caring for an animal involves long hours and dedication. And providing the highest level of care often demands that difficult decisions be made in a timely manner.
Dolphins, like many other animals, tend to hide signs of illness to avoid revealing weaknesses to other animals in their group. But in September 2004, dolphin trainers noticed that Bob, a male in the Aquarium’s collection, was not finishing his meals.
The change in appetite concerned staff, who promptly conducted a thorough physical. The findings showed an elevated white blood cell count and increased liver enzymes.
Medical imaging experts at Johns Hopkins Hospital and marine mammal experts from The Living Seas at Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort collaborated with Aquarium staff to develop and administer a course of treatment.
Bob began receiving antibiotics, but by October, his condition had worsened and a respiratory infection was evident. His antibiotics were changed.
Innovative Treatment
The veterinary and marine mammal staff designed a nebulizer, similar to those used by people with asthma, to administer medications as an aerosol several times daily.
Staff monitored and worked with Bob 24 hours a day. He received a special diet to prevent dehydration.
In an effort to determine the underlying cause for Bob's illness, staff performed a CT scan that confirmed the presence of a respiratory infection. Because of Bob's size, no CT apparatus was available to accommodate the procedure. Staff had designed and built a new apparatus that was large enough and strong enough to support his size and weight.
“We are giving Bob the best treatment available; however, he’s in critical condition and his prognosis is guarded,” said Brent Whitaker, DVM, the Aquarium’s director of animal health. “We know that he has a serious lung infection and are trying to determine if this infection extends to other areas of his body. We are doing everything we can to improve his condition.”
A Difficult Decision
Bob’s condition improved in late November, and staff became hopeful that the trend would continue. “Bob’s infection was severe. We knew when he pulled through his first bout with it last fall that we would be treating him for a life-long infection,” said Whitaker. For several months, Bob showed signs of improvement.
By February of 2005, Bob’s condition worsened. He steadily lost weight and was clearly suffering. Aquarium veterinary and marine mammal staff reviewed Bob's condition and prognosis and determined that the most humane action to take was to euthanize him.
“Bob received the best medical care available and we are saddened that even with exhaustive treatment, it wasn’t enough,” Whitaker reported.
“This is a very difficult time for staff, who have poured enormous time and energy into helping Bob recover,” said Sue Hunter, director of marine mammals and animal programs for the Aquarium. “The trainers and Aquarium staff grew very attached to Bob and we will miss him.”
Family Bonds
Sue spends more time with the Aquarium's dolphins than her own family. She had worked with Bob since the day he arrived at the Aquarium on a breeding loan from Disney World.
She described Bob as an intellectual. “He has participated in research trials and has been taught to figure out puzzles and ways of getting fish.” The trials gave researchers insights into the cognitive thinking skills of dolphins.
During his first days at the Aquarium, Bob was shy. Sue would go so far as to say he was geeky, perhaps not surprising for such an intellectual animal. But eventually he overcame his reservations and bonded with the other dolphins in the group.
“Thanks to the close relationships we have with the dolphins, we noticed changes in Bob’s behavior early, provided hands-on treatment, and tested the other dolphins,” she said. The Aquarium has eight other dolphins, including three born at the Aquarium in 2001. All are in good health.
Members of the public who wish to express their condolences may e-mail dolphins@aqua.org.
