title: Mass stranding of striped dolphin, Stenella coeruleoalba, at Augusta, Western Australia: notes on clinical pathology and general observations.
abstract: Seventeen striped dolphins, Stenella coeruleoalba, were found stranded on a West Australian beach. Three animals died before a rescue attempt was made and a further three died during the rescue. The remaining dolphins were released 24 km offshore and were not seen again. One dolphin was noted to have a broken mandible. Evidence of physical trauma to the other dolphins was minimal; one adult female was observed with some peeling skin. Blood was collected for analysis. All dolphins were slightly dehydrated and had a leukogram typical of a stressed animal. Plasma biochemistry reflected primary muscle trauma. There were no clues to the cause of the stranding; observed pathology reflected damage that occurred as a direct consequence of stranding.
authors: Australian Department of Conservation and Land Management, Como, Western Australia.
authors: N J
authors: NJ
authors: Gales
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis / Q000662:veterinary; D004289:Dolphins / Q000097:blood / Q000293:injuries / Q000502:physiology*; D004798:Enzymes / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006400:Hematocrit / Q000662:veterinary; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D014904:Western Australia
chemical_list: D004798:Enzymes; D006454:Hemoglobins