Rescued sea otter improving after treatment for gunshot wounds

CANADA -- The condition of a sea otter rescued by the Vancouver Aquarium after being shot in the head and body has improved to stable.

Veterinarian Dr. Martin Haulena said the animal, named Walter, had been in critical condition after being found near Tofino, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, in October.

Haulena said Walter has undergone extensive medical procedures, including surgeries on a flipper and in his mouth, where teeth were broken by the shotgun blast.

The sea otter was found blinded and riddled with dozens of bird-shot pellets.

Haulena said the animal was in such rough shape that he needed round-the-clock care.

He said Walter now can groom himself and should be feeling more comfortable, but it’s unlikely the animal will ever see again.

(The Province - Dec 4, 2013)

Earlier:

• Sea otter shot in head clinging to life in Vancouver

Sea otter shot in head clinging to life in Vancouver

CANADA -- An adult sea otter found with gunshot wounds to its head and body is fighting for its life after being rescued by the Vancouver Aquarium.

Veterinarian Dr. Martin Haulena says the animal was rescued last Friday near Tofino, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, where it was found with serious injuries.

Haulena says the now-blind sea otter’s right hind flipper was fractured, and x-rays have shown that the animal was shot with a shot gun.

Haulena says his veterinary team have partially amputated the sea otter’s injured flipper, and they are giving it fluids, medication and around-the-clock care.

Since the sea otter cannot groom itself because of its injuries, aquarium staff are also trying to stabilize its temperature by towel- and blow-drying it.

Haulena says the animal remains in critical condition, but aquarium staff are hopeful that it will recover.

(Metro News - Oct 22, 2013)