abstract

Acute renal failure (ARF) is a serious disease and should be treated as a medical emergency. Although treatment is sometimes very difficult to implement acute renal failure may be reversible if treated promptly and aggressively. Fluid therapy, perhaps the cornerstone of treatment, is one of the first steps to improve renal function. Our experience originated with oral treatments and quickly advanced to an intravenous route. Blood work and urinalysis were essential for monitoring effects of treatment.

Monet is an adult male pacific bottlenose dolphin, who suffered a serious mandibular fracture. He developed acute renal failure likely as a result of an iatrogenic combination of dehydration due to decreased diet, shock, and treatments including antibiotics, analgesics, and the medication to prevent gastric ulcers.

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine values peaked at 234 mg/dl and 7.5 mg/dl respectively (Normal range BUN 42-61 mg/dl; creatinine 1.0-2.0 mg/dl). Initially large volumes of fluids, three liters every 4 hours, were given via gastric tube, followed by intravenous fluid via the periarterial venous rete. Over the course of 14 days hematological values returned to normal. Radiographs have shown bone growth around the unilateral comminuted fracture of the ramus and stabilization was achieved with immobilization of the rostrum with velcro/neoprene wraps. His use of the jaw, behavior and blood values have returned to normal for the last several months.

acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Paola Smolensky, Raul Torres, Samantha Acosta, Andres Yee-chig, Greg Bossart, Roberto Sanchez, David Velarde and all the dedicated Cabo Dolphins´ team because of their important support to help Monet.