Publikationsdatenbank

Ocular disorders among captive pinnipeds:
a survey on the period prevalence (2023)

Art

Vortrag

Autoren

Stach, M. R.

Eule, J. Corinna (WE 20)

Kongress

ESVO Meeting

Rom, Italien, 28.09. – 01.10.2023

Quelle

Veterinary Ophthalmology : an international journal of clinical and investigative ophthalmology

Bandzählung: 27

Heftzählung: 5

Seiten: 8

ISSN: 1463-5216

Sprache

Englisch

Verweise

URL (Volltext): https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/vop.13180

DOI: 10.1111/vop.13180

Kontakt

Klein- und Heimtierklinik

Oertzenweg 19 b
14163 Berlin
+49 30 838 62422
kleintierklinik@vetmed.fu-berlin.de

Abstract / Zusammenfassung

Purpose: Ocular disorders appear to be a main health issue among captive pinnipeds. To approach further studies on this topic, a survey was conducted. The aim was to evaluate the period prevalence of ocular disease in pinnipeds and to assess the level of medical training in husbandries.

Material/method: A questionnaire was sent to all pinniped-keeping facilities in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. It contained closed and semi-open questions enquiring about the number and species of kept pinnipeds, the frequency and kind of medical training, as well as the appearance and type of ocular disorders within the previous 2 years.

Results: Out of 47 contacted facilities, 25 facilities (53%) returned the questionnaire. Those kept 208 animals (132 otariids, 76 phocids – 64 males, 144 females). General medical training was practiced daily with 73% of the pinnipeds, and weekly with 6%. Specific medical training for eye examination and treatment was practiced daily with 29% of the pinnipeds, and weekly with 18%. Within the period of 2 years, ocular trauma was detected in 4% of the animals, corneal change in 25%, cataract in 1%, and alteration of the adnexa in 6%. In total, ocular disorders were observed in 32% of the pinnipeds within 2 years.

Discussion: There is an alarmingly high period prevalence of ocular disorders among captive pinnipeds in Mid-Europe. It should be noted that ocular trauma, cataract, and alteration of the adnexa were most likely under-reported. Specific medical training is crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and further research.