Case 5 California Sea Lion Charmane Thurmand Shauna Decker Aaron Clark Sarah Glazier Info about Sea Lions PhylogeneticTaxonomic Placement Order Carnivora Family Otariidae Genus Zalophus Species ID: 772171
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Case 5California Sea Lion Charmane ThurmandShauna DeckerAaron ClarkSarah Glazier
Info about Sea Lions Phylogenetic/Taxonomic Placement: Order: Carnivora Family: Otariidae Genus: Zalophus Species: Z. californianus Range: Found from Mexico north through California to British Columbia. Live along the coast and up to ten miles out to sea
More infoInteresting facts Average lifespan 17 yrs (in wild)Seal nose shut to stay under water up to 15 minTravel at average speed of 10.8 km/hr = 6.7 mphSwim at speeds of 2.7 m/s or 8.8 ft/sDiet includes variety of seafood, mainly squid and fish. Will cooperate with sharks, dolphins and seabirds when hunting large schools of fishIntelligent, trained easily
Case Background A young stranded California Sea Lion admitted to a rehabilitation center in June.EmaciatedDiarrheaHigh white blood cell count (Neutrophilia) Elevated levels of protein and albumin Decrease in blood urea nitrogen concentration Determined to be dehydrated and malnourished
Case cont. Two Weeks LaterAnorexicBlood/mucus around oral cavityCorneal opacity in right eye (transparent structure on front of eyeball. Occurs when cornea becomes scarred)Leukocytosis (raised white blood count with larger ratio of immature neutrophils to mature neutrophils ) Anemia (deficiency of hemoglobin in red blood cells) Thrombocytopenia (relatively few blood platelets in blood ) Died two weeks after admission, and necropsy performed
Post Mortem Hemorrhaging in lung lobesSwollen and damaged arteriesInterstitial Pneumonia with scarringLungs contaminated with Escherichia coliPus present Clotting in pulmonary blood vessels Enlarged/hemorrhaged lymph node Blood-tinged mucus in trachea and bronchi 150 nematodes collected from the pulmonary arteries Two nematodes found in right ventricle of the heart Nasopharyngeal acariasis ( mites in nose and throat) No parasitic cysts or Helminth eggs/larvae found in fecal samples
Hypothesis Nematodes were present within the lungs along with the greatest amount of bodily harm.Possible Nematode Infections affecting the lungsLungworm (Nematoda: Metastrongyloidea)Attachment blocks airways, induces mucus production, and can lead to secondary bacterial infections, Lungworm ( Parafilaroides decorus ) Hyperemia (excess blood), hemorrhaging, cellular infiltration, verminous pneumonia “Lungworms are common in all pinnipeds [marine mammals). Sea lions have Parafilaroides decorus , while true seals are usually parasitized by Otostrongylus circumlitus . The latter parasite is also found in the hearts of some phocids [seals, sea lions, etc]; however, it does not produce a microfilaremia. Both of these parasites use fish as intermediate hosts.” (Thanks Merck Veterinary Manual) http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/170810.htm
What we think it is Otostrongylus circumlitusAlthough typically affecting true seals, the symptoms for this particular nematode fit with the information given in the case.Mucus and blood around the oral cavity and within the tracheaInternal hemorrhaging (from attachment?)Secondary E. coli infection in the lung
Actual Infection Metastrongyloid Nematode (Otostrongylus circumlitus)
Exam Question QuestionWhat is the host of Otostrongylus circumlitus?AnswerTrue seal’s