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1 Of 2 Stranded Pygmy Killer Whales Undergoes MRI Test

News Channel 8 Photo by JIM FARQUHAR

A pygmy whale from Mote Marine is taken to an MRI facility in Sarasota for testing.

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By Chris Taylor, TBO.com

Published: June 18, 2008

One of the pygmy killer whales found stranded on Monday in south Florida underwent an MRI test today at Axcess Diagnostics in Sarasota.

The whales are being cared for at Mote Marine's Dolphin and Whale Hospital.

Doctors say they are concerned because the whales are weak and disoriented because of infections and parasites.

Doctors will use the test results to determine if some of the symptoms are being caused by parasites in the whale's brain. Doctors say the results will also help to evaluate the animal's overall health.

Wildlife officials say fishermen near Boca Grande spotted one of the whales swimming in mangroves along a causeway. The other had beached itself.

The whales, nicknamed Pete and Dallas, are also being treated with antibiotics. Chief Veterinarian Charles Manire says the whales could be suffering from life-threatening conditions. It is not common to see them swimming in shallow waters, and they are usually found in groups.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

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