Polymerized bovine hemoglobin (Oxyglobin Solution) administration in two river otters (Lutra canadensis)

Polymerized bovine hemoglobin (Oxyglobin Solution^®) was successfully administered to two river otters (Lutra canadensis) that required general anesthesia and surgery for trap-related injuries. In both animals, blood oxygen content was maintained at presurgical levels despite a 47-70% decrease in their hematocrit. Otter 1 received a dose of 19 mL kg^-1, given at a rate of 29 mL kg^-1 h^-1. Otter 2 received a dose of 20 mL kg^-1, given at a rate of 5 mL kg^-1 h^-1. For many of the uncommon species, there are limited resources in the form of blood products to treat anemia, blood loss or hypovolemia. Successful use of polymerized bovine hemoglobin in these two otters suggests that it is useful for acute treatment of anemia and blood loss in such species.