California Sea Lion Pup Is Saved From Starvation

The following story was shared with us by Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles.

On December 25, 2017, a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) pup was reported to be all alone on the beach. The pup was skinny and the mother was nowhere in sight. Pups are extremely susceptible to dehydration and malnutrition without their mother.

The pup was picked up by Marine Animal Rescue and brought to Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles to be evaluated by a veterinarian. The female pup weighed 9.4 kilograms (about 21 pounds) and was considered to be emaciated — too skinny for a 7-month-old sea lion. Physical exam was unremarkable except for small lesions on the flippers that could have come from many different things. She received an oral solution of EmerAid IC Piscivore, electrolytes, vitamins, calories, and water to combat dehydration and nutritional deficiency.

EmerAid IC Piscivore is high in nutrients and gives emaciated patients nutritional support that is easy to digest. Blood work was performed and showed that the patient was slightly anemic (low red blood cell count). The patient was given this oral solution containing EmerAid IC Piscivore for 48 hours along with a blended fish gruel.

On the evening of December 27, the patient developed ataxia and seizures. Anticonvulsants were given to control seizures. Blood work was rechecked and a fecal was performed. The patient’s anemia got slightly worse, and roundworms were found in the fecal. Because hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) could not be ruled out as the cause of the seizures, she was gavage-fed with fish gruel for a few more days even though she was eating fish on her own. This combination provided supportive nutritional care and kept her blood glucose within the normal range.

She continued to have seizures though December 30. While on anticonvulsants, the seizures resolved to occasional twitching and then to mild ataxia. By January 1, 2018, she had no inappropriate neurologic activity to report. She was eating fish on her own and acting normal. She continued to eat well and gain weight until she was released on March 27, 2018, weighing 33 kilograms (about 73 pounds).