Introduction

Anatomy and Species Recognition

Capture and Transport

Overnight Housing

Clinical Examination

First Aid

Common Presenting Conditions

Treatment

Zoonosis

Cascade System

Sedation, Anasthesia and the Diving Response

Euthanasia

Common Mistakes made in Seal Rescue

References

Most seals will require referral to a specialist facility. In Eire this will be the Irish Seal Sanctuary. If you can transport the seal safely to the seal sanctuary following all the guidelines outlined in the transport section then please do so. It is important that transportation only be carried out by a veterinarian or someone with adequate experience. This person should be able to carry out an initial assessment and administer fluids if necessary. They should be able to treat the seal if it becomes hypo / hyperthermic either before or during transport.

Most people will not be able to/will not be experienced enough to handle and transport an injured seal pup. If you can follow the following guidelines Seal Sanctuary will assist with further arrangements.

Housing a seal in a veterinary clinic is not ideal; if a quarantine area is available it is best. Sea pups can be housed outside on mild nights in a make-shift shelter provided that is secure and is sheltered. On cooler nights it is better if the seal pup is housed indoors e.g. in a shed. Prevent people from passing the cage/ coming to “see the seal” as this will only stress it further.