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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Daze of the Dolphin

Austin, TX, sljonesmd{at}austin.rr.com

To the Editor:

I wondered after reading Howard et al.’s article (1) whether you were aware of Dr. Ridgway’s remarkable contributions to our understanding of marine mammal physiology and, specifically, his role in pioneering general anesthesia for marine mammals, particularly dolphins. Prior to Dr. Ridgway’s work in adapting the Bird ventilator to match the unusual mode of breathing common to cetaceans, no dolphin or whale had been successfully anesthetized. One of the few early recorded attempts ended in death for several dolphins and most certainly distress for the humans involved. Even in the 21st century, we are intrigued by the thought processes of dolphins and the complexity of the dolphin brain. We have Dr. Ridgway to thank for much of what we know about the physiology and behavior of these animals.

REFERENCES

1. Howard RS, Finneran JJ, Ridgway SH. Bispectral index monitoring of unihemispheric effects in dolphins. Anesth Analg 2006;103:626–32.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
2. Ridgway SH. The dolphin doctor. Dublin, New Hampshire: Yankee, 1987.
3. Pryor K. Lads before the wind. New York: Harper & Row, 1975.

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