Rehabilitation

Quarantine

Each new arrival is placed under quarantine for a minimum of 14 days. This means that each marine mammal patient cannot come into contact with another animal, either directly or indirectly (Direct contact would occur if animals were housed together. Indirect contact comes about through the shared use of equipment, facilities, or personnel.).

Quarantine is very important in any wildlife rehabilitation setting. Marine mammals arriving at the Rehabilitation Centre may be suffering from bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections. Their immune systems may be compromised, perhaps due to a disease process, the stress involved with capture and transport, or because they are young pups with underdeveloped immunity. We will not risk transmitting disease from one patient to another.

All staff and volunteers associated with the Marine Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation Program are trained in proper quarantine protocols, and how to minimize risk of disease transmission, before they are allowed to work directly with the animals.

 

Assessment

Upon arrival, each animal is given a thorough physical examination. Body measurements are taken, sensory and musculoskeletal systems are examined, and behaviour is observed and recorded. The animal’s whole body is carefully examined, from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail, so that any wounds, external parasites, or other abnormalities can be identified. The level of hydration (or dehydration) is assessed, and the lungs are auscultated (listened to with a stethoscope). Age is estimated using such markers as the size of the teeth, the condition of the umbilicus, and the type of fur present (harbour seal pups in our area may have a long white coat, called lanugo, which identifies them as premature).

As part of the examination, a blood sample is drawn and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results assist the veterinary staff in determining a course of treatment. A fecal exam may also be performed on-site by the animal care team, to check whether parasites may be present, and swabs may be taken from any infected lesions/abscesses on the body surface, to culture and identify which microbes are involved.

After the initial examination is complete, a treatment and feeding protocol is started for each individual animal, tailored to their condition and specific needs.

 

Feeding

When an animal first arrives at the Rehabilitation Centre, after it has been examined, it is started on a feeding regimen tailored to its specific condition. Our patients are usually dehydrated upon arrival, so the initial feedings are designed to rehydrate, replenishing water, electrolytes, and sugars.

After rehydration, seal pups admitted to the Rehabilitation Centre are fed a specially designed fish formula, high in calories and nutrients. Harbour seal mother’s milk is very rich (up to 50% fat), so fish oil is added to our formula to increase the fat content.

As pups get older, and their condition improves, the process of weaning is started. Whole fish is slowly introduced to their diet, until they are eating entirely solid food. After this, they are taught to eat on their own, with no human assistance.

Older animals admitted to the Rehabilitation Centre, if in stable condition, are offered high quality fish after their initial rehydration.

In all cases, the diet of animals in our care is monitored carefully, to ensure they are receiving enough calories and nutrients to become healthy.

 

Observations

Wild animals are adapted to avoid showing signs of weakness and disease, as this could make them more susceptible to predatory attack.

Sometimes animals will exhibit very few outward signs of illness until their condition is quite progressed. Keeping this in mind, it is important for us to closely monitor the condition of the marine mammals in our care.

Staff and volunteers at the Rehabilitation Centre are trained to perform regular daily observations. Animal behaviour is noted throughout the day, as is appetite and frequency of bowel movements.

Any changes in behaviour or apparent condition are reported to the animal care team for response.

 

Cleaning

Cleaning of the animals, the facilities, and the equipment is an important part of daily duties at the Rehabilitation Centre. All staff and volunteers spend a good portion of their day ensuring that all areas of the Centre are spotless. No opportunity is provided for harmful bacterial growth or cross-contamination to occur.

Each morning, the animals in our care, and their enclosures, are cleaned. The water in our pools and tubs is filtered or replaced, to ensure a healthy environment for our recuperating patients. This process then continues throughout the day.

 

Veterinary Care

Qualified and experienced veterinary care is provided to each of the animals in the Rehabilitation Centre. Veterinarians and animal health technicians are part of the Marine Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation team, and other animal care staff and volunteers are trained in veterinary procedures and protocols.

After the initial assessment, animals are started on an individual treatment regimen, specific to their needs. Treatment may include rehydration, wound cleaning and care, parasite removal, or antibiotic therapy for those suffering from bacterial infection.

Throughout their stay at the Rehabilitation Centre, the condition of all patients is monitored closely. Examinations are periodically performed to ensure that any ailments are improving, and a blood sample is drawn and analyzed as required. If indicated, radiographs (x-rays) and ultrasounds can be taken.

Occasionally marine mammals are admitted that require more intensive treatment. The staff veterinarian (or consulting veterinarians) performs surgeries or other procedures as needed.