M.T. Walsh, DVM; D.O. Beusse, DVM; J.D. Lynch, DVM
Intra abdominal abscesses related to the reproductive tract were found
with sonogram in two adult female Tursiops truncatus exhibiting anorexia and elevated
white counts. One dolphin's abscess appeared to be related to a vaginal tear acquired at the
time of delivery while the origin of the second animal's mass could not be determined. The
abscesses were aspirated as directed by sonogram and cultured aerobically and anaerobically.
Staphylococcus species were recovered from 1 dolphin while the other yielded clostridium specie.
Caseation of both abscesses necessitated placement of a modified waterproof endotracheal tube
into the abscess which allowed access to the interior material. Every 2-3 days a bronchoscope
with an attached waterpick was introduced and the caseous debris was gradually reduced and
removed. One animal has had one reoccurrence of symptoms in 19 months time. The second
individual's mass is located in the pelvic inlet and is currently under treatment at the time of
abstract submission.