Hundreds of distressed grey seal pups off the Cornish coast are receiving a vital rehydration solution from Norbrook.
Norbrooks Life-Aid Xtra Helps To Rehydrate Stranded Seal Pups In Cornwall
6 years ago 
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Hundreds of distressed grey seal pups learning to forage for food off the Cornish coast are receiving a vital rehydration solution, provided by Norbrook, through the work of volunteers at the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) Cornwall Seal Pup Hospital.
More than 200 seal pups have been treated at the hospital in the past five years, as they become separated from their mothers and suffer serious injuries learning to feed.
As the hospital hits peak season, Norbrook has continued its support this year by donating further supplies of Life-Aid Xtra to assist with the work of the hospital, which is run by marine charity BDMLR. This organisation is dedicated to the rescue and wellbeing of marine animals in distress around the UK.
Darryl Thorpe, Clinical Director of the hospital, says the winter months are busiest as grey seals give birth between September and March, with some pups requiring urgent medical care and rehabilitation.
“The seals require immediate rehydration before they arrive at our facility and Norbrook’s Life-Aid Xtra Oral Solution can be lifesaving for pups suffering from hypothermia or low blood glucose levels.
“Life-Aid Xtra provides high concentrations of a range of electrolytes such as sodium, which is essential for improving uptake of fluid, even from a damaged gut. Life-Aid Xtra also contains high levels of bicarbonate precursors which encourages the rapid uptake of sodium and thus water.
“Our volunteers have been trained to use stomach tubes in non-hospital situations, so when they come across distressed pups on the beach they are able to administer a dose of the oral rehydration solution on the spot. This is essential to stabilise the pups before they are transported to the hospital for further care.”
Mr Thorpe says as a charity operation, the hospital relies on the generosity of volunteers and donors such as Norbrook.
“The BDMLR, especially those working at the BDMLR Cornwall Seal Pup Hospital, are very grateful to Norbrook for their very generous donations over the past three years. Norbrook’s donation of Life-Aid Xtra and other necessary products, allows us to continue our vital work with the Cornwall seals.”
Leigh Sullivan, Norbrook Product Manager – Large Animals, says: “We recognise the vital work that BDMLR carries out to ensure the conservation of our marine wildlife across England, Wales and Scotland, and we are delighted to help where we can.”
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