Featured Image Credit: HEIDI WHITEHEAD
By: Laura O’Brien
The non-profit Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network teamed up with the University of Texas Medical Branch, who performed the second CT scan accomplished on a dolphin since the stranding network’s inception 37 years ago. The dolphin, who was given the name “Rimmy”, was found stranded near Sabine Pass. Dolphins strand when they are injured or sick, so it is important not to push a stranded dolphin back into the water. In fact, there are stranding hotlines in most coastal areas that you can call if you find a stranded marine animal. Fortunately for Rimmy, she was found and transported to UTMB for a diagnosis.
The team at UTMB used a CT scan to help determine what was wrong with the ailing dolphin. They sedated Rimmy mildly for the scan, and Heidi Whitehead of the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network said, “Rimmy handled the procedure well and we look forward to seeing her recover.” The CT scan not only gave Rimmy a great shot at successful rehabilitation and recovery, but it also will provide researchers amazing insight into what goes on inside of dolphins. Now Rimmy is in rehabilitation at Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network in Galveston.
Learn more from our source.