A sad day as Achilles the grey seal pup doesn't make it through his operation
Submitted by Steve on 00:05, 13th Dec, 2016 |
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We are sad to report that despite keeping Achilles the grey seal pup alive since he was rescued on Saturday he sadly passed away during his operation earlier today.
Achilles had a number of ailments and injuries and required an operation and after two days of intensive care he was taken to the vets earlier today, sadly he didn't make it through the procedure.
All of the team and those involved did everything they could to help the rescued seal pup and all the team have been upset that we weren't able to save him.
This is the second grey seal pup to be found this winter with multiple health issues and injuries and its still extremely early in the breeding season for this species so please do keep an eye out around the coast and follow the advice below.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said "It's been an extremely sad afternoon at the GSPCA today as Achilles the grey seal pup that was rescued on the weekend passed away during a much needed operation to try and save him."
"He was rescued on Saturday morning with multiple injuries at Petit Bot and despite keeping him alive at our intensive care room he didn't make it through the operation earlier today."
"It's never easy when we rescue extremely sick and injured animals and with it being so early in the seal breeding season we are asking those around the coast to keep an eye out and follow our advice online or call us if you have any questions on 257261."
"Thank you to all involved that helped give Achilles the best possible chance."
For advice on what to do if you see a seal pup -
If anyone see's a pup with or without a mum we really do appreciate a call so that we are aware of its location and condition but here is some advice.
A healthy pup looks like a big, stuffed maggot without a neck. However, a thin pup looks sleek (but not bony) and has a visible neck, like a healthy dog.
PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH THE SEAL. They can give a nasty bite, which will become infected by bacteria that live in a seal’s mouths.
Note: Do not allow dogs or other animals to harass a seal.
If a Seal is scared back into the water, it could then be washed out to sea by strong currents and be lost. You should not put a seal pup back in the sea as it may get into difficulty.
If a Seal pup is sick, thin or injured then we would ask you to contact the GSPCA immediately on 01481 257261 day or night
When reporting an injured, sick or abandoned seal to the GSPCA, please make sure you are able to supply the following information:
Exact location; nearest town / village
Position on the beach, and state of the tide
How long you have observed the pup; any disturbance / risk to it; whether the mother has been seen
Any wounds / obvious signs of illness
Length/colour/condition.
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Caution:- Handling of any animal either domestic, wild, dead or alive may be potentially hazardous. Obvious dangers include bites, scratches and general hygiene issues. Common sense should be applied in all instances and, if unsure, seek additional advice or assistance. Personal hygiene should be taken into consideration after handling any animal, whether it’s domestic, wild, dead or alive.
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