THERAPEUTICS
There is a paucity of information on therapeutics in dugongs. A range of drugs have been used (see Appendix 4). Being hindgut fermenters, oral antibiotics may cause dysbiosis and should be avoided.
Antibiotics that have been used include amikacin, penicillins (penicillin G and benzathine penicillin), ceftiofur, oxytetracycline and ceftiofur crystalline free-acid (Excede, Zoetis, Silverwa- ter, NSW). Dexamethasone has been used as an appetite stimulant and anti-inflammatory. Flunixin meglumine has been used to treat GI pain.Correcting or maintaining hydration in neonatal dugongs is challenging (Blanshard 2001). A shortened neonatal equine nasogastric tube can be used to administer fluids to calves. Inadvertent intubation of the trachea is a potential complication and is compounded by the lack of elicitation of a cough reflex. Correct placement of the tube can be confirmed endoscopically or checking for air movement from the tube on exhalation. Rectal administration of water using a round-ended feeding tube fitted on a 100-mL catheter-tipped syringe is also effective in neonatal dugongs. IP fluid administration has also been used.
It may be possible to administer IV fluids via the palmar digital vein that runs along the ventral aspect of the pectoral flipper. This technique has been performed in manatees using ultrasound guidance (J Bailey pers. comm.). A micro-introducer kit is used for catheterisation following incision of the overlying skin. Alternatively, fluids may be introduced into the deep brachial arteriovenous plexus of the pectoral flipper using a pressure bag or fluid pump.
5.