ABSTRACT

Six wild collected female bonnethead sharks (Sphyrna tiburo) have recently given birth in captivity. Animals were treated previously with 2.0 ppm praziquantel immersions of 7 days each and water quality shows no elevation in ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate. Three young bonnetheads have perished over the weekend and were observed eating during the week. The staff report nothing unusual on necropsy and the adults are eating and behaving normally. All sharks are swimming normally with no signs of dermatitis or ulceration. The tank temperature is 24.5°C (76°F). The staff are hesitant to capture the recently acquired adults.

What is your next diagnostic step considering the delicate nature of bonnethead sharks?

Had there been evidence of lactic acidosis, how would you manage this problem?