The Curious Case of the Sea Lion That Couldn’t Catch His Breath (UPDATED)

UPDATE: I missed this link to several great stories: http://tmmc.marinemammalcenter.org/site/MessageViewer?dlv_id=29287&em_id=22682.0#.VHJYp4vF-20


http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/about-us/News-Room/2014-news-archives/orchard.html

California sea lion Orchard was having trouble breathing when he was rescued. Veterinary experts at The Marine Mammal Center recognized that he had a rare condition and treated it with a simple procedure, saving his life.

November 19, 2014



Orchard was diagnosed with a rare respiratory condition.
© Sarah van Schagen, The Marine Mammal Center

“Rescued from San Gregorio Beach in San Mateo—noted to be sneezing and open-mouth breathing at rescue …”

This is how California sea lion Orchard’s medical chart begins. It’s the first line in a seven-page medical progress report that starts with an admit exam. And what follows details exactly how the veterinary experts at The Marine Mammal Center saved his life.

The callers who spotted the year-old sea lion on San Gregorio Beach on October 3 knew something was wrong when they were able to approach him without much of a reaction. He was lethargic—turning toward the water to flee but not moving much. Trained rescue volunteers brought him to our Sausalito hospital that same day.



Orchard was lethargic and underweight when he arrived at the Center.
© The Marine Mammal Center

Although a sea lion his age should be able to catch and eat fish on his own, Orchard refused any offers. He wouldn’t even get into the pool. Instead, our animal care volunteers had to feed him ground-up fish smoothies through a tube into his stomach to ensure he got the nourishment he needed.

FULL story AND enews letter at link.