Featured Image Credit: SeaWorld
The 260-pound rescued Atlantic bottlenose dolphin being cared for at SeaWorld Orlando is currently being treated for not only multiple shark bite wounds but pneumonia as well.
Over the last month, SeaWorld veterinarians and the Animal Rescue Team have been treating her with antibiotics, dewormers, anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, and wound care. According to a press release from SeaWorld, veterinarians performed radiographs this past week to confirm if the antibiotics were actually working to clear up the pneumonia.
SeaWorld will continue to monitor and run additional tests to confirm the status of her illness.
Once her pneumonia clears, the next milestones for her rehabilitation will be for her to continue to gain weight and strength and pass a hearing test.
A hearing test?
All rescued cetaceans must pass a hearing test administered by NOAA Fisheries to ensure hearing loss was not a factor in their stranding. Hearing loss is detrimental to wild cetaceans as they rely on echolocation to hunt, navigate, and avoid predators.
The SeaWorld Animal Rescue Team and veterinarians will continue to provide 24-hour care and treatment for the sick and injured dolphin. Their ultimate goal is to rehabilitate her and then return her back home to the wild.