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Corky the sea otter pulls through historic operation in Vancouver

Corky the sea otter pulls through historic operation in Vancouver | iNFOnews.ca
Corky the sea otter was rescued near Tofino in August. He had a fractured rib, possibly from a boat strike, that led to air trapped under his skin, and he was unable to dive for food. Vancouver Aquarium

VANCOUVER – The Vancouver Aquarium say veterinarians have made medical history by removing a kidney and performing a blood transfusion on a sick sea otter.

Corky the sea otter was suffering from a fractured rib and other injuries when he was rescued in August near Tofino, B.C.

He was brought to Vancouver, where tests showed one of his kidney had likely ruptured.

Since the aquarium's head veterinarian was away, officials called in surgical assistance from Seattle.

The aquarium says the veterinary team performed what's believed to be the first kidney removal and transfusion on a sea otter.

Corky's prognosis is now guarded, as he is critical condition and under 24-hour care.

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Jennifer Stahn

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