Mishka, a 1-year-old sea otter learning to use an inhaler at the Seattle Aquarium, is thought to be the first diagnosed asthma case in a sea otter, according to the New York Daily News. Dogs, cats, horses, lions and other animals have been diagnosed with the disease but not otters, until now. Veterinarians at the aquarium believe that the thick smoke covering Washington State during the recent wildfires could be to blame.
Little Mishka was diagnosed by Dr. Lesanna Lahner when it was noted that she was having difficulty breathing.
Lahner also says that a lack of genetic range could also be a contributor, as Washington's sea otters went extinct, The Seattle Times reported. New otters were introduced about 45 years ago when 59 Alaskan sea otters were brought down to bring the otters back to Washington.
The Seattle Aquarium has been teaching Mishka to use an inhaler with positive training methods, according to ABC News. Using treats, Mishka's trainers are teaching the little otter to place her nose into an inhaler, much like a human would do. Mishka is using the same medication given to humans with asthma.
"We want to make this as fun as possible. Any kind of medical behavior you're training, you want to make sure it's nice and positive," Lahner said.
