Abstract

There is still much to be learned about the effects of current medications on various species of cetaceans. An ideal setting in which to learn this is the rehabilitation setting. Stranded cetaceans that exhibit signs of illness are recovered from the beaches and often enter into rehabilitation where various types of medications and antibiotics are prescribed to improve their condition.

In the rehabilitation process it is beneficial to note the medication given, duration, and any significant response of the animal's activity level and eating habits to the particular medication. Throughout the course of the rehabilitation of a stranded Peponocephala electra, Steno bredanensis and Tursiops truncatus, we were able to document marked changes in eating habits and behavior that were directly correlated to a wide range of drugs that are commonly prescribed. These drugs included Ivermectin, Doxycycline, Amikacin, Sporanox and Enrofloxacin. We were able to begin comparing drug reactions in relation to activity levels and eating habits according to the specific species.

Similar reactions to Enrofloxacin, Ivermectin and Doxycycline were noted in the three different species. All showed an initial increase in food consumption following the first dose of Enrofloxacin and then the intake amount stabilized. An increase in activity was also noted for all three species while on this antibiotic. After the administration of Ivermectin, decreased activity and feeding behaviors in all three species were noted. Drastic decreases in food consumption included a drop from 14 kg/day to less than 1 kg/day for the P. electra and similar drops in the T. truncatus and S. bredanensis. The eating habits for all cases considered did not return to normal until seven days following the ivermectin injection. Similar reactions were also noted after the initial doses of Doxycycline were given. The animals would exhibit a drop in feeds and activity for 3-5 days following the first dose and then resume normal activity after five days of medication. Distinct differences were observed in reaction to Amikacin and Sporonox between the species.

For the P. electra, there was no change in activity or eating habits following the dose of itraconazole. However, for the T. truncatus and S. bredanensis, a greatly increased appetite was noted and food consumption increased by 30 percent, which led to an increase in their overall energy level. After the administration of Amikacin, a marked decrease in appetite for both the T. truncatus and S. bredanensis was noted for seven days following administration, then returned to normal activity and eating habits. For the S. bredanensis, the food consumption decreased by 5,000 kcals/day. Amikacin did not appear to affect the P. electra adversely.

The documented reactions to common medications prescribed in rehabilitation are valuable. They are not only important for use in the rehabilitation aspect when implementing a treatment plan but also in learning about physiological effects of these medications on these species