Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis in a neonate Franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei): clinical approach and laboratory findings

A neonate (4,2 kg and 71 cm total body length) female Franciscana dolphin, Pontoporia blainvillei, was found stranded alive on a beach in Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil, with respiratory signs (dyspnea, crackles during thoracic auscultation and changes in buoyancy) suggestive of pneumonia. Hand-rearing and rehabilitation efforts were unsuccessful, and the neonate died three days after it was rescued. Postmortem investigation was conducted using diagnostic imaging techniques, such as endoscopy and computed tomography. A complete necropsy and histopathology were performed, revealing bronchopneumonia as well as neutrophilic and discrete otitis media. A pure Pseudomonas aeruginosa culture was obtained from the blowhole, bronchoalveolar lavage, and blood using the API NE System. Our results indicate the cause of death to be related to bacterial sepsis. Further understanding of the main causes of death of Franciscana dolphin calves is warranted for conserving this threatened and understudied species.