Intratracheal injection of antibiotics in the California sea lion, Zalophus californianus, and bottlenosed dolphin, Tursiops truncatus.

Abstract

Gentamicin and cephaloridine were administered by intratracheal injection to the California sea lion, Zalophus californianus, and the bottlenosed dolphin, Tursiops truncatus. Uptake and clearance of these antibiotics in the blood were monitored. In all cases, absorption through the respiratory mucosa resulted in blood levels approaching therapeutic concentrations despite low dosages.