Phuket
Ailing dolphin under treatment in Phuket

PHUKET: Veterinarians at the Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) say that a striped dolphin that washed ashore in Phang Nga last week is in a stable condition at their facility, but fear for its long-term survival prospects due to its inability to feed on its own.
Dr Kongkiat Kittiwattanawong told the Gazette this morning that the dolphin, which washed ashore at Tai Muang District on July 30, was transported to the PMBC Endangered Species Unit the following day.
Antibiotics administered to treats wounds to the animal’s rear flippers and tail have worked well, but the cetacean continues to suffer from dangerously high levels of urea in her muscle tissue, making it impossible for her to swim on her own.
For this reason the dolphin needs round-the-clock treatment and has been fitted to a sling to prevent her from drowning.
While describing the animal’s condition as stable, Dr Kongkiet said it had yet to feed on fish and squid offered to it and hence needed to be force-fed through a tube. The dolphin is also suffering from considerable stress due to captivity.
The researchers hope the dolphin will soon begin to feed on its own, as this would be a big step towards recovery. Otherwise it risks starvation as force-feeding is insufficient to meet its energy requirements, he said.
The dolphin is suffering from a systematic bacterial infection, not a viral infection, he clarified.
— Kritsada Meuanhawong
Get more from The Thaiger
Join the conversation and have your say on Thailand news published on The Thaiger.
Thaiger Talk is our new Thaiger Community where you can join the discussion on everything happening in Thailand right now.
Please note that articles are not posted to the forum instantly and can take up to 20 min before being visible. Click for more information and the Thaiger Talk Guidelines.

-
Pattaya3 days ago
Foreign sex pest caught assaulting Thai beauty contestant
-
Business2 days ago
Thai Airways has sold 11 of its old aircraft, 26 to go
-
Patong3 hours ago
UPDATE: 19 year old Australian falls to his death at a Phuket hotel
-
Patong1 day ago
19 year old Australian falls to his death at a Phuket hotel
-
Crime2 days ago
More than 100 foreigners in Phuket swindled by visa agency
-
Expats1 day ago
Norwegian man stabs himself in Pattaya hotel
-
Coronavirus (Covid-19)2 days ago
Thai health chief received special drug due to obesity, not privilege
-
Crime3 days ago
Thai man jailed for rape in London massage parlour
You must be logged in to post a comment Login