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A 29-year-old bottlenose dolphin, used as a therapy animal for mentally and physically disabled children, developed breathing problems and was treated through a rare collaboration between veterinarians and doctors.

News of the treatment, which occurred a year ago, was reported in the journal Annals of the American Thoracic Society.

The dolphin was coughing, but seemed to be responding to an antifungal treatment. However, the dolphin then developed a prolonged blowhole opening while swimming. She was taken to a local hospital for a computed tomography scan and fiberoptic bronchoscopy.

The veterinarians consulted a pulmonology team with experience in complex human airway disorders. A technique called balloon dilation was used to improve the dolphin's respiratory performance.

"Many of the medical treatments and procedures used in humans were developed and tested in animals, and many are used in the care of both," said Andrew R. Haas, director of clinical operations at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and lead author for the journal paper. "Our case is notable, not only because of the animal involved, but also for the cross-disciplinary collaboration among specialists from far-ranging disciplines."

The dolphin is alive and continuing to help children at Island Dolphin Care in Key Largo, Fla. The following video shows how the dolphins work with children: