Breathing Indices: ●
Cetaceans (small cetaceans e.g. short-beaked common dolphin; large cetaceans e.g. pilot and sperm whale
BREATHS PER MINUTE
RESPIRATORY COMPROMISE
2- 5 /min
Normal
8+
Mild
10+
Severe
1
Pilot whale- normal
1 per 20 mins
Sperm whale (normal)
Listen closely for any raspy or gurgling sounds that indicate congestion. Observe the length of time between exhale and inhale - they normally occur one right after the other. Any delay should be noted. Also note if the inhalation is a series of short breaths (which is abnormal) instead of a single strong inhalation, which is a normal breath. Check for discharge from the blowhole upon exhalation and smell the animals’ breathe for any strong odour (but do not stick your nose directly over the blowhole please!). Auscultation (listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope) should be done, if possible.
