Summary of Wheeler the Stingray Gets a CT Scan:
Herps & Aquatics, in collaboration with veterinary staff, successfully conducted a CT scan on Wheeler, a 3-year-old southern stingray at L3Harris Animal Care Center. The new fully functional CT machine allows for better visualization of internal organs through a 3D reconstruction of X-rays. Despite the challenge of Wheeler needing to be submerged in water during the scan, the staff managed to ensure his safety and the integrity of the equipment. Wheeler had been experiencing abnormal breathing and pale skin, with a high white blood cell count indicating a potential infection. Antibiotics did not yield significant improvement, so the scan was conducted to determine the true cause of his illness. In addition to the CT scan, Wheeler underwent an ultrasound and additional bloodwork and had a sample of his epigonal organ sent for analysis. The results of these tests are still pending. The successful scan on Wheeler will benefit future aquatic patients who require underwater scanning. Brevard Zoo, a not-for-profit organization, relies on generous support to sustain its animal wellness, education, and conservation programs.
Summary:
1. Introduction to Wheeler, the Stingray, and the CT Scan: Explore how Wheeler, a southern stingray, became the first aquatic patient to undergo a CT scan at the L3Harris Animal Care Center.
2. Overcoming Challenges: Discuss the unique difficulties faced when scanning a stingray underwater and the precautions taken to ensure the safety of both Wheeler and the equipment.
3. Wheeler’s Health Condition: Detail Wheeler’s symptoms, previous testing, and the potential diagnoses that were considered. Highlight the importance of uncovering the true cause of his sickness.
4. The Scanning Process: Describe the step-by-step process of preparing Wheeler for the CT scan, including anesthesia and careful maneuvering. Emphasize the successful reading of his scans.
5. Additional Tests and Waiting for Results: Explain the follow-up tests conducted on Wheeler, such as ultrasounds and bloodwork, and the significance of the epigonal organ sample. Discuss the ongoing wait for test results and the leading theory behind Wheeler’s illness.
Wheeler the Stingray Gets a CT Scan: A Fascinating Journey Underwater
Imagine a sleek and graceful creature gliding effortlessly through the water with a magnificent back covered in rows of spiny protrusions. This is Wheeler, a 3-year-old southern stingray in the L3Harris Animal Care Center. Recently, Wheeler embarked on a unique and fascinating adventure as he became the first aquatic patient to undergo a CT scan. The entire process was an incredible feat, involving the collaboration between Herps & Aquatics and our veterinary staff. Join us as we dive into the world of Wheeler the Stingray and explore the extraordinary aspects of his journey through diagnostic imaging.
Challenges Beneath the Surface
One can only imagine the difficulties when performing a CT scan on an aquatic creature. Wheeler presented our veterinary team with a significant challenge due to his requirement to be submerged in a water tank throughout the scanning process. The fragile equipment posed a risk of damage, as even a single drop of water could cause irreversible issues. However, our dedicated and resourceful team was undeterred by these obstacles and committed to providing Wheeler with the care he deserved.
Before Wheeler, the aquatic residents of our Zoo, including turtles and an iguana, had tested out the CT machine with relative ease. Still, Wheeler’s unique nature demanded extra precautions and meticulous planning. The day before the scan, a practice run was conducted to familiarize the staff with the intricacies of positioning and securing Wheeler for imaging. This trial-and-error approach enabled them to find their way through the challenges that awaited them the following day.
Understanding Wheeler’s Health Condition
Wheeler had displayed signs of unease for some time before deciding to proceed with a CT scan. Abnormal breathing patterns and a noticeably paler skin color caught the attention of his observant keepers. Initial bloodwork revealed a high white blood cell count, leading to various potential diagnoses, including the possibility of leukemia. However, further tests suggested that an infection might be at the root of his illness. Despite administering antibiotics, Wheeler’s condition failed to improve significantly, leaving our team eager to uncover the true cause of his sickness.
A Doctor’s Hope: Unveiling the Mystery
Guided by the expertise of Dr. Kyle Donnelly, one of our Zoo’s esteemed veterinarians, the veterinary staff embarked on a mission to utilize the capabilities of the CT scan machine to shed light on Wheeler’s health condition. To ensure his comfort and safety, Wheeler was transported to the animal hospital in a large water cooler equipped with an air pump. Anesthesia was tactfully administered directly into his watery environment, and he was delicately transferred into a transparent bin filled with water. Maintaining his stillness during the scanning process required ingenuity, as a duo of rolled towels was strategically positioned under Wheeler’s wings to prop him up and prevent movement.
Imaging Through Water: Success at Last
With great care and precision, the veterinary staff maneuvered Wheeler into position for his CT scan. Despite the obstacle of his water tank, the scan produced clear and readable images, providing our team with an invaluable glimpse into Wheeler’s internal state. Building upon this foundation, additional tests were conducted immediately following the scan. Wheeler received an ultrasound to explore his organs further, and his bloodwork was extended to gather as much information as possible. Most intriguingly, a sample of his epigonal organ, which plays a crucial role in producing blood cells and supporting the immune system, was sent to a pathologist. This sample holds tremendous potential in unraveling the mysterious source of Wheeler’s illness.
Awaiting Results: An Ongoing Journey
As eager as we are to share the results of Wheeler’s tests, we must be patient, for diagnosis and treatment require careful analysis and consideration. Wheeler has fully recovered from his testing ordeal and has returned to his familiar habitat in the Indian River Lagoon aquarium. Speculation suggests that an infection might be the catalyst behind his unwell state. Wheeler’s journey has been instrumental in equipping our staff with valuable insights into providing optimal care for future underwater patients who require diagnostic imaging.
In conclusion, Wheeler the Stingray’s remarkable adventure of undergoing a CT scan unveils our veterinary team’s extraordinary efforts and ingenuity. The collaboration between Herps & Aquatics and our dedicated staff has showcased the multidimensional nature of our work in animal care and welfare. While still awaiting the results of the tests, the hope remains that Wheeler’s journey will restore his health and improve the care we provide to all our aquatic patients. Support from our community enables us to continue such pivotal endeavors in animal wellness, education, and conservation. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these remarkable creatures that share our world.
