Abstract
Animals in managed care are the responsibility of each zoological facility, with an emphasis on ensuring and maintaining optimal animal health and welfare. Though modern zoos and aquaria implement extensive, species-specific preventative care protocols, unexpected and emergent health needs are inevitable. This necessitates strategic anticipation and planning, particularly in the event of an emergency. The Miami Seaquarium is one of the oldest aquariums and marine mammal parks in the United States, with a diverse aquatic animal collection. The Miami Seaquarium veterinary department strives to maintain the highest standard of care for the resident animals, as well as those undergoing rehabilitation for release. As one component of this mission, the veterinary staff indicated the need for a detailed emergency protocols manual, along with a portable kit, to address emergent health needs of their resident cetaceans and pinnipeds. Through an extensive literature review and communication with marine mammal veterinarians, relevant medications and supplies were identified, ordered, and organized in a portable Pelican case. This emergency medical kit included various medications and medical supplies to facilitate and ensure rapid and efficient responses to medical emergencies. The kit was supplemented by a detailed manual, including drug profiles, relevant to the drugs included in the kit and controlled substances, a spreadsheet of all resident pinniped and cetacean weights, and instructions regarding how to use the i-STAT® machine, EKG (including electrode placement), and oxygen tank (with and without the Ambu bag). The drug profile included the generic and trade names, drug class, drug schedule, the form(s) available, use/indications, drug action/pharmacokinetics, potential adverse effects, route(s) of administration, reversal drug (when relevant), and emergency dosages for pinnipeds and cetaceans and documented side effects. Having an accessible emergency kit and manual helped the veterinary department improve their response time and efficiency during medical emergencies, thus enhancing the care and welfare of their resident animals.