Beluga Whale, Kimalu, Successfully Survives Groundbreaking Cosmetic Surgery, marking it as the first Beluga to live after General Aesthetic Procedures
In a remarkable milestone for marine veterinary medicine, a team of experts at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium successfully performed a complex surgery on Kimalu, a 12-year-old beluga whale, to remove cysts near her blowhole.
The procedure, a first for beluga whales, was a testament to the intricacy of veterinary procedures on large marine mammals and the groundbreaking strides made in the field.
## Surgical Process
The journey towards Kimalu's surgery began with a careful assessment and diagnosis of her condition. As the cysts began to grow and pose a threat to her wellbeing, the decision to operate was made.
Preparation for the procedure was meticulous, involving the assembly of a multidisciplinary team of 30 experts, including veterinary surgeons, anesthesiologists, and support staff, drawing from both the aquarium and national specialists.
Administration of general anesthesia to a beluga whale, given their size and unique physiology, is a highly complex process. Kimalu, weighing approximately 1,065 pounds, was no exception.
Once under anaesthesia, the team carefully incised through the beluga's thick skin and blubber, approximately five centimeters thick, to access and remove as much of the cystic mass as possible. The incision was then closed, and a drain was placed to minimize infection risk.
Close monitoring was essential during the postoperative period, especially during recovery from anesthesia, which is critical for cetaceans due to the risk of complications such as respiratory distress or drowning.
## Challenges
The surgery was fraught with challenges, starting with the complexities of administering anesthesia to a beluga whale. Historically, beluga whales have not fared well under anesthesia. Kimalu's successful recovery marks the first globally known instance of a beluga whale waking safely from general anesthesia after surgery.
Anatomical barriers also presented a challenge, with the thick skin and blubber layer requiring precision to access the underlying tissues without causing unnecessary trauma or complications. Minimizing infection risks was crucial, necessitating sterile techniques and postoperative drainage.
Emotional and logistical demands were another hurdle. The procedure was emotionally charged for the team, who balanced anticipation and nervousness with the need for urgent, accurate action. Coordinating a large team of specialists under time pressure was essential, as delays could increase the risk to the patient.
## Milestone Significance
This surgery is considered a landmark achievement in marine veterinary medicine. The successful administration and recovery from general anesthesia set a new precedent, potentially paving the way for more advanced medical care for marine mammals in aquariums and zoos worldwide.
Dr. Karisa Tang, vice president of animal health at Shedd Aquarium, led the procedure and stated that there is no playbook for anesthetizing a beluga and taking it into surgery. Kimalu's unique physiology, including her squishy melon head, made it uncertain how she would respond to the anesthesia or whether she would come round after the surgery.
Kimalu's recovery will take time and is not guaranteed, but the surgery has provided relief from the discomfort caused by the cysts. She has been moved into a recovery habitat for monitoring as she recovers from the surgery.
The experience will stay with Dr. Tang for her career, as there were moments during Kimalu's surgery that felt significant. Kimalu, a beluga whale who has lived at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium for her entire life, has recovered from general anesthesia after surgery to remove cysts on her head, supported by around 30 experts, including human surgeons and veterinary specialists.
[1] https://www.sheddaquarium.org/news/shedd-aquarium-teams-up-with-national-experts-for-beluga-whale-surgery [2] https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/10/us/beluga-whale-surgery-kimalu-chicago-shedd-aquarium-wellness/index.html [3] https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-beluga-whale-kimalu-shedd-surgery-20210309-7d5764f3a2a5e648e8387728776ca3b3-story.html [4] https://www.npr.org/2021/03/10/978012365/beluga-whale-kimalu-at-chicagos-shedd-aquarium-awakes-from-surgery-after-historic-anesthesia
- This landmark surgery on Kimalu, a 12-year-old beluga whale, not only showcases the intricacies of veterinary procedures on large marine mammals but also signifies significant advancements in medical-conditions diagnosis and therapies-and-treatments for marine species.
- The success of the procedure, which included the safe administration of general anesthesia to a beluga whale, marks a revolutionary step in the field of health-and-wellness for marine-veterinary science, potentially opening new avenues for medical care for marine mammals.
- The multidisciplinary team of experts, including veterinary surgeons, anesthesiologists, and support staff, worked tirelessly to ensure Kimalu's wellbeing throughout the surgery and recovery process, demonstrating the collective effort required to make meaningful strides in health and science.
