Current Patients at MMSC

On   April 3rd we received a report of an injured seal lying on the beach in Brigantine. When our Stranding Coordinator arrived, he found a very male Grey seal pup suffering from several lacerations on his front flippers, shoulders and mouth, as well as severe edema (swelling) of his left rear flipper. The pup was immediately transported to the Center for medical treatment. Upon his arrival, the team cleaned his wounds and administered supportive care and nutritional support via tube feeding a mixture of formula and electrolytes. Oral and topical medication were started to prevent infection, as well as pain medication to help keep him comfortable as he recovers. We are very happy to report that this patient is eating on his own, and his behavior is appropriately aggressive. Our newest patient, who weighed 50.2 lbs. at intake. 

Update July 11th: While some of the initial inflammation improved with medical treatment, this patient's injury was not healing as quickly as we like to see. MMSC’s veterinarian Dr. Paluch reached out to the Schreiber School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University to request assistance with additional diagnostic testing to further guide the treatment plan. Dr. Elizabeth Perry from Rowan University’s Large Animal Field Service, along with her assistant Hannah, traveled to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center with their portable digital radiograph (x-ray) equipment. The seal was gently restrained by our Stranding Coordinator while Dr. Perry and Dr. Paluch took several views of the seal’s hind flippers. The images were able to be viewed immediately by the veterinarians, and were also later reviewed by a board-certified radiologist.  In the case of Grey seal #25-049 (Brigantine), the radiographs showed a possible crush injury to his left rear flipper, and evidence of the bones beginning to heal. Fortunately, there was no evidence of osteomyelitis at the time of the radiographs. Additional sensitivity cultures of the wound were taken, and based on the results, Dr. Paluch ordered a change in antibiotics. Anti-inflammatory medication and daily wound flushes have also continued. Follow up radiographs will be necessary in the upcoming weeks to further monitor the progress of his injuries, and to monitor for chronic infection.  

Update September 24th:   Several weeks ago, our friends from Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University visited MMSC for a second time to perform follow up radiographs (x-rays) on this patient to assess his progress and help further guide his treatment. The x-rays showed improvement in his flipper and no evidence of osteomyelitis (bone infection). This patient is however still dealing with a persistent soft tissue infection. MMSC's veterinarian is working closely with Rowan's veterinary team to explore other treatment plans to address the infection. In the meantime, the Grey seal was cleared to move to the rehabilitation pool for physical therapy until his next follow up exam when he will be reevaluated by the veterinary team. We are happy to report that he is swimming well despite his injury, and is enjoying exploring his new enclosure. Thank you to everyone who has been following along with his rehabilitation journey!