MARINE MAMMAL BIOLOGY, HSBANDRY, AND MEDICINE MARINE MANNALS I. TAXONOMY PAGE ORDER CETACEA 1 ORDER PINNIPEDIA 2 ORDER SIRENIA 3 FAMILY MUSTELIDAE 4 II. ANATOMY 5 III. MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY 8 IV. CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM 10 V. COMMUNICATION AND SENSES 10 VI. BEHAVIOR 11 VII. HOMEOSTASIS 13 VIII. HUSBANDRY 15 IX. NTRITION 15 X. CAPTURE 16 XI. TRANSPORTATION 17 XII. CLINICAL MANAGEMENT 17 XIII. DISEASES 20 MARINE MAMMALS TAXONOMY I. Order Cetacea A. Suborders 1. Archaeoceti - extinct species 2. Mystacoceti Outer nasal opening is biparite Teeth absent throughtout life after birth Baleen plates present (150-400) Convex profile of upper surface of skull Cp,[aratove;u s,a;; stermi, amd poor skeletal construction of the thorax Adi;t Length 6-30 meterr Cervical vertibrae are fused in some species and not in others Caecum usually present Feed on krill (small crustanceans) and small pelagic fish a. Family Balaenidae Caperea marginata - Pygmy Right Whale - less than 6 meters as adult - has dorsal fin -Southern Hemisphere Balanena ystricetus - Bowhead Whale -Adult length up to 20 meters/robust whale -Northern Hemisphere, mainly in the Artic sea -Hunted by Eskimoes in Point Barrow Region b. Family Eschrichtiibae Eschrichtius gibbosus - California Gray Whale -Adult length up to 12 meters/dorsal fin absent -Migration - Southward (Dec-Jan) from Bering Sea to Breeding and calving i Baja. Extensive whaling in early 1900's endangered the species. c. Family Balaenopteridae Balenoptera musculus - Blue Whale - Adult length up to 30 meters, weight to 100 tons -Color is a saxeblue/dorsal fin present -Distribution in temperate waters -Shallow feeders- 100 meters Megaptera novaeangliae - Humpback Whale -Adult length up to 16 meters -Head ridges has fleshy :knobs" -Rounded projection near tip of lower jaw -Has many whale lice and barnacles -Flippers are 1/3 of body length -Distribution Western N. Pacific- Aleutian Island Chain-Jul-Sep Southward migration to Hawaii/Midway Is-Sep-Oct Western N. Atlantic- New England to Artic Sea Jul-Sep Southward migration to Burmuda/West Indies Sep-Oct -Behaviors of breaching, rolling, tail lobbing, scooping -Very vocal in socializing 3.Odontoceti Outer nasal opeining is single/teeth are present Baleen plates are absent Profile of upper surface of skill is concave Sternum is large and skeletal construction of thorax is complete Two nasal cavities are present but they join at the external end for one nasal opeining Cervical vertebrae can or cannot be fused a. Family Physeteridae Physter catodon- Sperm Whale - Adult length 18 meters/one wholehole -Teeth are conical in shape - upper jaw no exposed teeth just sockets for lower jaw teeth - Feed mainly on squid/octopus -Dives can last up to 1 hr-known to attack whaling boats Observed entangled in transoceanic cables at 2200 meters -Ambergris Substance located near end of intestine Contains squid beaks and foodresidue Used as stabilizer in perfumes Spermaceti White wax-like substance taken from the oil in the head of sperm whale b. Family Kogiidae Kogia breviceps - Pigmy Sperm Whale Could be confused with shark by the naive observer c. Family Ziphiidae Mesoplodon carlshubbsi - Hubb's Beaked Whale d. Family Monodontidae (Artic Region) Delphinapterus leucas - Beluga Whale Adults are ivory color/young are a dark gray Adult length up to 5.5 meters Monodon monoceros - Narwhale, Unicorn Whale Adult make beak is result of upper left side tooth elongating up to 100 cm ahead of rostrum in a conunter clock wise manner Adult length 4-4.5 meters Female teeth do not erupt e. Family Platanistidae Inia geoffrensis - Amazon River Dolphin Very poor vision/Appear pink when young f. Family Delphinidae Two or more cervical vertebrae fused Beak (rostrum) distinct/Adult length less than 4 meters Delphinus delphinus- Common Dolphin Stenella sp. Most are pelagic animals/caught in tuna seining fishing Lagenorhynchus acutus- Atlantic white sided fishing Tursiops truncatus- Atlantic Bottlenosed Dolphin Length 2.5-3 meters Large melon/short beaksd Tursiops truncatus var gillil- Pacific Bottlenosed Dolphin g. Family Phocoenidae Beaks not distinct More than 5 cervical vertebrae fused/Length less than 2.5 m. Phocoenoides dalli- Dalli Porpoise Phocoena phocoena- Harbor Porpoise h. Family Globicephalidae No beak/Large head Globicephala malaena- Atlantic Blackfish/Pilot Whale Length up to 6 meters/black i color Orcinus orca- Killer Whale Lengtyh more than 7 meters/Wt. 5500 kg Very Agressive in behavior Pseudorca crassidens- False Killer Whale (Pacific) II. Order Pinnipedia Short thick hair/tail short and flattened Limbs are covered with a thick wek of skin Claws at ends of digits are well developed in some species and poor in others No Clavicle A. Family Otariidae External ear ;inna/tail is very small Scrotal testes/Sagittal crest in mature bull Body slender and elongated All flipper surfaces essentially naked Forelimbs oarlike,long and primary source of aquatic locomotion Hindlimbs can be turned forward for land locomotion Polygamous Eumetopias jubata- Stellar Sea lion Length up to 3 meters Males up to 1000 kg/females up to 300 kg Zalophus californianus- California Sea Lion North Pacific Area/Length up to 2.4 meters Males up to 380 kg/females up to 300 kg Callorhinus ursinus- Northern Fur Seal Bering Sea to California Coastal Islands Very agressive B. Family Odobenidae Body thick and robust /No external ear pinna Internal testes/No sagittal crest Flippers- upper surface haired Odobenus rosmarus- Walrus Male length up to 3.8 meters/wt. 1500 kg Can walk on land Blubber 5-8 cm thick Tusk in male are from maxillary teeth C. Family Phocoidea Forelimbs are short Hindlimbs cannot be turned forward and are the main source of power for swimming Terrestrial locomotion by crawling Monogamous Halichoerus grypus- Gray Seal Length up to 3 meters/wt. 300 kg Phoca vitulina- Harbor Seal Length 1.5-2.0 meters/Wt. 120 kg Monachus schauinslandi- Hawaiian Monk Seal Length 2.8 meters/Wt. 300 ks/ Only 800 anials left High mortality recently on Hawaiian Leeward Islands attributed to Ciquatera toxin found in local Moray Eels Mirounga angusirostris- Northern Elephant Seal Length more than 6 meters/wt. 2500 kg III. Sirenia Possible source of mermaid legends Coastal or esturine animals A. Family Dugongidae Dugong dugon- Dugong Length 3 meters/No ear pinna Dugong dugon - Dugong Nostril can't close but have skin flap to cover Tropical waters in Indo-Pacific Rear margin of tail flukes are concave with cresent shape Diet of seaweed andlimeweed b. Family Trichechidae Trichechus manatus- Manatee Tail fluke rear margin convex with spade shape Stlantic Tropical waters/length 3.5 meters IV. Family Mustelidae Enhydra lutris- Sea Otter Only one of family in the marine environment No blubber layer has thick fur for thermal regulation Length 147 cm/wt. 45 kg Fur consists of guard hairs and dense underfur layer for trapping air for insulation ANATOMY I. Cetacea A. External Characteristics Propulsive force in swimming by tail flukes which contains neither bone or cartilage for support, dorsal fine is of the same structure Both useful in thermo-regulatory function because of extensive vascularization. Pectoral appendages similar in bone structure to terrestrial mammal but are modified to paddle-like flippers. Pelvic appendages are non-existent. Pelvic girdle is a pair of rod-like horns embedded in lateral trunk musculture behind genital area. Integument is smooth, hairless in adult, neonate have few hairs on rostrum which become pits in adult. Epidermis/dermis 1-3 cm in thickness, hypodermis (blubber layer) is thick layer containing bundles of connective tissue/elastic fibers. B. Muscular System- too numerous to cover C. Skeletal System- Refer to handouts D. Respiratory System 1. Nasal Sacs Twin nasal passages unites to form a unipareite blow hole which opens and closes by a dense fibrous mass (plug) Four pair of sacs associated with upper nasal passages Premaxillary Vestibular Tubular Connecting 2. Eustachian tube passes from the air containing cavity of the ear to the basioccipital crest then to the nasopharynx. 3. Larynx Epiglottal/arytenoid cartilages elongate to form a tube (beak) that projects anteriorly and superiorly from floor of pharynx and resting within the internal nares. 4. Trachea Short robust, large lumen with numberous complete, heavy rings that may anastomose. 5. Lungs Elongated and situated dorsally in the thorax Little or no lobulation Separate right bronchus (accessory) that branches a short distance anterior to bifuraction of the trachea into the two main bronchi. E. Digestive System 1. Teeth are homodont with single root, modified for holding. 2. Jaw muscles are weak 3. Tongue is short/robust, flexible tip, minimal taste buds 4. Stomach Forestomach is a sacculation of esophagus Main stomach has velvety lining, homologous to fundic stomach in other mammals. Most digestive enzymes secreted here PyloricStomachis tubular in structure with some enzymes secreted Duodenal ampulla is large dilation of anterior duodenum 5. Intestines Long in the Odontocete with no caecum or gross delineation into small or large intestine Mystacoceti has a caecum and large intestine 6. Liver is bilobed, up to 1 tone in large species with no gall bladder 7. Pancreas is similar to other mammals F. Cardiovascular System 1. Heart has numerous trabeculae with the right venticular wall thicker than in other mammals. It is very muscular and about 0.5% of body weight 2. Blood vessels Retia mirabilia consists of arteries with few thin wallviens Brain blood flow form vertebral arteries and not the internal carotid arteries G. Urogenital System 1. Kidneys are extensively lobulated with many renules present. Renules contain cortex, medulla, papilla, calyx, and blood supply 2. Genital Organs Testes will increase in size in rutting season, with Right Whale reaching to 1000 kg Uterus/Ovaries - Refer to Handouts Mammary Glands are belowcaudal to bladder on each side of genital slit. Slits contain nipples, which exist parallel to the genital slit. H. Spleen is small, firm, rounded with one or more of accessory spleens II. Pinniped A. Integument-the epidermis is .5-1 cm thick with the blubber layer less dense than in Cetacea. Fur has guard hairs and short finer underhairs. Sebaceous glands which secretes oil to waterproof the skin and hair ` B. Respiratory System 1. Larynx is similar to carnivores 2. Trachea is incomplete dorsally in the Zalophus. Divides anterior to heart but branches lie close together until level of the lungs. 3. Lungs are multilobe (3 per side) C. Digestive System Teenth - incisors, canine and post canines. Deciduous teeth occur, with the Phocids shedding after birth and the Otariids at 3-4 month Stomach is similar to carnivors Long intestines with distinct small and large Gall bladder is present D. Cardiovascular System - has postcaval sphincter that is muscular structure cranial to diaphragm. It is better developed in the Phocids and related to diving. Extradural vein is between spin dura mater and roof of vertebra canal which is venipuncture site in Phocids E. Urogenital System Male has scrotal testes penile orifice is posterior to umbilicus. Distal end of penis is corpus cavernosum which ossified to form the large ospenis (baculum) Female has bicornuate uterus with common external opening for anus and vagina anteroventral to base of tail F. Kidney is lobulated and reniculated type G. Spleen is similar shape to carnivores MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY I. Respiratory System A. Cetacean Mucous glands are few. Ciliated pseudo-stratified columnar epithelium. Cartilagenous armature extends into the smaller airways to junctions with alveolar ducts or air sacs. Abundant elastidc tissue. Lymphoid aggregaytes are sparse. Abundant elastic tissue Lymphoid aggregates are sparse. Cilia throughout air-conducting pathways Visceral pleura is very dense and elastic. Terminal bronchioles have myoelastic bundles (values) to contol air exhanges, this forms compartments of small airways. Mucus membrane is single layer of cuboidal cells without mucous or cilia in contact with the two capillaries B. Pinniped Otariids- cartilage extends to terminal airways Phocids- cartilage extends to small bronchi General- numerous and large mucous glands. Dense lymphoid aggregate II. Cardiovascular System A. Cetacean Heat (ventricles)- endocardium is thick with elastic fibers and collagen to withstand the dilatory forces of these chambers. Purkinje cells are very large. Coronary arteries are very elastic. Aorta- the ascending aorta is thicker than the descending one Venous valuves with circular smooth mjscle bundles (lung/liver) Rete mirabilia- spongework of uniform sized small arteries with prominent medial musculture. Functions as shock absorber- adjusting to marked pressure changes. Facilitating changes in blood distribution diving and resurfacing. III. Urinary System Kidney - renules are actually individual units containing a cortex, medulla, medullary pyramid and calyx IV. Digestive System A. Cetacean Tongue - is smooth, no papillae or taste buds Peyers patches present Tonsil-like lymphoid nodule exist stomachs- Forestomach has keratinized squamous mucosa large folds/no glands Main stomach- mucous membrane is thick, with tubular glands Mucous Glands, Chief (pepsinogen secreting), and parietal (HC1 secreting) Pyloric Stomach has mucous cells and lymphoid nodules Intestine is 10 meters in length with the entire gut histology of small intestine ype except the last 30 cm. ASbsorptive cells and goblet cells are present. Colon is the last 30 cm and there is little storage of nondigestible residue B. Pinniped Tongue similar to man with the monogastric stomach similar to other carnivores Intestine has distinct small and large with caecum V. Integument A. Cetacean Epidermis is without hair, keratin or accessary glands. Extensions of epi. into dermis are called "rete pegs" which anchor it to dermis Dermis has heavy collagen bundles with elastic fibers. It is rich in vessels and nerves. There is no waterproofing or oily superficial covering Structural modifications permit temperature homeostatsis and low water resistance to swimming. B. Pinniped Pelage with glabrous skin in the flipper areas. Epidermis is keratinized and the dermis has sebaceous and tubular sweat glands CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM I. Cetacean A. Types Mystacocetes The cerebral hemisphere's width equals the length, the Olfactory apparatus is much reduced, the trigeminal nerve is the largest cranial nerve (5th) Odontocetes The cerebral hemisphere's width is greater than length, the olfactory structures are lacking, the eight cranial nerve (especially the auditory, cochlear, component) is the largest, General characteristics- the gross development is comparable to carnivore or ungulate, with complex gyri and sulci second ony to man. II. Pinniped May be ranked ahead of carnivores in intelligence. The superficial cortical anatomy varies but the deeper anantomy shows little variance from other terrestrial mammals COMMUNICATION AND SENSES I. Cetacean A. Acoustic System Sound reception is by the lower jaw with upper hearing limits at 150 KHz Sound emission is produced by the nasal sacs, the quasi-pure tone (whistle) can be heard by man, pulsed sound is variable in duration, repetition rate and dominate frequency. Echolocation is a pulsed sound that has a slower repetition rate which is sharper with a distinctly controlled quality (rusty hinge sound) , infant dolphins may or may not have echolocation capabilities. B. Visual System Primary plane of movement of eyeball appears to be dorse- ventral with some anterior-posterior directional movement. Stereoscopic vision forward but not in all directions. C. Tactile Sense is very reduced D. Chemoreception Olfactory sense in the Odontocetes - they can taste byt can't smell, the Mystacocetes can do both. Gustatory Sense - tongue has "V" shape arrangement of pits at base of tongue. There are pits on the basal and lateral surfaces of tongue. Large papillae on the anterior-lateral tongue surfaces. Not sure if these are actual taste receptors. II. Pinniped A. Sound reception by massive ear bones, the meatus is open to air and closed to water. Hearing is good up to 180 KHz But best at less than 60 KHz in water, on land the range is up to 12 KHz. Have passive hearing with fair directional hearing. B. Sound emission - very vocal but echolocation probably nonexistent C. Visual System Northern Fur Seal, Weddell, Ring Seal has nocturnal vision. California Sea Lion has day time vision, vision on land is equal to that in the water. D. Chemoreception Olfactory the microsomatic-olfactory lobes and nerves are reduced Gustatory sense is present by reduced. BEHAVIOR I. Cetacean A. Sexual and Affectional Interaction Social development if influenced with infant and mother interaction roughhouse play with peer group, heterosexual relationaships with effective copulation, and then to the parental role. Male has reflex penile erection, Tursiops within 48 hrs of birth, with attempts of copulation with mother within a few weeks. Female has well developed clitoris with masturbation frequently. Parental behavior - social bond exists for up to 2 yrs in the mother-infant relationship with nursing up to 18 months, the infant will eat fish as soon as 6 months of age. B. Activity cycles and sleep - cat napping on tank bottom or on the surface C. Interspecific interactio - development of microterritory in large mixed species tanks or in isolation tanks. II. Pinniped A. Social order is determined by place of copulation (migatory species), those on land have a harem system B. Mother and Infant Interaction Otariids - 6 months Phocids - 3-4 weeks Mother is very agressive after pupping. Copulation within 7 days of birth of pup. Delayed implantation in some species. C. PuppingTimes California Sea Lion June-July Elephant Seals Dec-Jan Northern Fur Seal June-July D. Parental Care NFS pup receives minimal care after first week CSL pup receives considerable care for 4-5 months E. Swimming - pups start at various times Harbor Seal at day of birth Walrus at 10 wks. F. Sleeping - All pinnipeds can sleep in the water, NFS sleep on their back at surface, while CSL sleep underwater, and the Harbor Seal can do both. G. Migration NFS has an annual trip of 5000 miles while the CSL usually doesn't stray far from rookeries. H. Food and Feeding Most are epipelagic carnivors, the Wlarus and Bearded Seal are bottom feeders. Nursing - the Crabeater Seal nurses for 1-2 weeks while the Walrus nurses for 75 weeks Metabolic rate is higher than for terrestrial mammals 100 Kg Seal eats up to 5-7 kg per day I. Swimming NFS can swim up to 19-28 Km per hour, most pinnipeds become skillful body surfers. The Crabeater Seal has reached 19 Km per hour on ice. J. Diving NFS has been recorded at 108-144 meters, while the CSL up to 250 M. Homeostasis I. Respiration A. Mechanics Apneustic plateau evolved because of aquatic environment RR 2-3/minute (Cetacean) 5-6/minute (Pinniped) Cycle 0.3 seconds - flow rates of 30-70L/second Tidal Air - 80-88% - probably due to elastic nature of lungs Alveolar collapse occurs at 100m Terminal Bronchiole Sphincter close at a deeper depth Leads to pressure gradients that prevents Nitrogen from entering blood stream B. Diving Dolphins have full lung of air - Pinnipeds have partial lung of air - related to neutral buoyancy C. Deep Diving Adjustments (Cetacean) Aquatic adaptations to prevent "bens" Flexible thoracic cavity that can collapse under pressure Retia mirabilia, veins, venous sinuses can engorge with blood to fill space as air compressed Lungs are very elastic and will become atelectic without separating from chest wall Trachea is resilient, that allows respiratory passages to collapse beyondlimits of the sea-level, dead-space volume II. Cardiovascular Adjustments A. Bradycardia Common in diving Aquatic Animals Pinnipeds (Seals) most prevalent - 10% of preclinical rate B. Tachycardia Cetacean - heart rate increases to 70-100/minute but falls to 30-40/minute until next breath C. Peripheral Vasoconstriction Saves body heat Oxygen - Conserving mechanism D. Redistribtion of blood flow Bulbous dilation of ascending aorta acts as passive heart to help insure circulation during prolonged diastolic period Anial able to shunt blood to heart/brain/liver during submersion from peripheral vessels Kidneys/adrenal are isolaed from circulation durng d Blood Volume - Refer to handout Blood pH very acid during/just after diving Muscle hemoglobin - is 50% of total oxygen carrying capacity in some animals III. Thermoregulation Reduction of limb size/spindle shape of body reduces total surface to area to mass ratio, restricts area to which blood can contact thus reduction in heat loss Peripheral arteries surrounded by numerous veins - heat is lost to surface or to returning veins Metabolic rate higher in smaller pelagic animals IV. Osmoregulation Most animals can derive all necessary water for urine, fecal, and insensible pulmonarh loss from the water in the diet Small urinary bladders - so short urine storage V. Diuresis Postprandial diuresis in most animals related to high protein diet ADH is essentially absent - diving results in inhibition of ADH with diuresis VI. Swawater Consumption Normally does not occur in Pinnipeds Dolphins may ingest some in course of eating VII. Hearing Skull is acoustically isolated from the ear Meatus of dolphin is no more important in sound conduction than surrounding areas of head VIII. Hematology Leukocytes Very strong neutrophilic response to infestatins, more tnan 60,000/cu mm Eosinophilia in newly capture animals more than 20% Blood Clotting Hageman (Factor 12) Deficiency (Cetacean) important in preventing intravascular clotting during diving Plasma enzymes Normally high for SGOT - 225 (Henry Unit) SGOT - 100 (Henry Unit) Blood Ura Nitrogen is high (50-70 mg/100 ml) Carbohydrate Metabolism Lack disaccharidase enzymes Amylase levels are zero Husbandry I. Species Pinnipeds require ample space for territories, especially males Some Cetaean species may coexist in same pool II. Eacilities Pinnipeds - require pool space as well as deck space for hauling out Dolphins - requre pools with minimum diameter 2-3 times length of largest animal. Depth is 1/2 to 2/3 of length of animal. III. Water Quality Natura/Artificial Sea Water pH 7.5 - 8.2, Salinity 2.5 - 3.5% Fresh water will cause Corneal edema in Pinnipeds, Epidermal sloughing in Cetaean; Open/Closed/Semiclosed Systems Filters Gravity Fed Sand/Gravel High rate sand Diatomaceous earth Water turnover less than 2 hours Treatment Sodium Hypochlorite, Ozone Chlorine Levels Free chlorine ).3 - 3ppm Chlorine Levels Ambient Temperature Water Dolphin (Tutsiops) 10 28 degrees C Killer/Beluga Whales 2 - 20 degrees C Pinnipeds withstand 0 - 20 degrees C Nutrition I. Sources Wild - Crustaceans, Squid, fishes Captive-Herring, Smelts, Mackerel, Capelin Squid II. Nutritive Value - refer to tble Herring/Mackerel - high energy source Smelt - low in calories Squid - very low in calories III. Food Handling Thaw at room temperature overnight Complete thawing in water Refrigerate prior to utilizaton Discard unfed fish after 24 hours IV. Diets Feed whole fish Percentage of body weight (refer to handout) Supplements usually high quality multivitamin daily V. Feeding Schedule Usually twice a day Prolonged fasts are not uncommon VI. Rearing Pinniped Pubs (refer to handout) Hand feed Phocids - 3 - 4 weeks, Walruses up to 3 years Otariids - 5 - 6 months VII. Nutritinal Pathology 1. Thiamine Deficiency Induced by diet of herrings, smelts, capelin (high in antithiamine enzyme) Deficiency - CNS signs Treatment with Thiamine - 1mg/Kg Supplement ation 25 - 35 mg/kg of fish/day given 1-2 hours prior to feeding 2. Hyponatremia Phocid (Seal) primarily Induced by Moult, poor nutrition, disese Pelagic pinnipeds probably more susceptible than estuarine ones Possible due to aldostrone secretion - ability to retain sodium 3. Vitamin E. Deficiency Hepatic/Erythrocyte Pathology Tocopheral levels - low in fatty fishes and decrease with storage Supplementation Dolphins 400 - 1--- IU/Day Pinnipeds 100 - 500 IU/Day 4. Scrombroid Pisoning Feeding high histamine content fish (mackerel, tuna) that is poor quality Related to mucous membrane inflammation/ulceration Capture I. Cetaceans A. Shallow Water Seine Technique High speed outboard motor boats (2) Net is 350 X 7m One boat sets net, other boat checks for overlaps or entangled animals Draw circle down until animals are caught B. Deepwater Breakaway Hoopnet Bow riding animals Catcher stands in pulpit at bow of boat and places hoop so animal swims through Net releases on animal with retrieval accomplished by hauling the line in II. Pinnipeds Usually captured on sandy beaches with approach from water Once animls try to escape to water, use draw nets or hoop nets to select specimens Transportation I. Cetaceans Positioned in a moist, canvas stretcher upright position Moist bedsheet/terrycloth used to cover dorsal/lateral body surfaces except blowhole Exposed surfaces covered with a lanolin/petrolateum ointment to prevent drying Automatic/manual, periodic water spraying of animal during transport Utilize crushed/shaved ice on flukes to reduce temperature in excited animals Ambient cabin air temperature reduced to 50 drgrees F. Monitor respiratons for signs of hyperthermia (abnormal more than 10/minute) Fast 18 hours prior to transport II. Pinnipeds Cage transport in a wire/net mesh of wooden/metal frame with no sharp edges Cage bottom/side to be waterproofed to prevent leakage Should spray animals periodically Reduce air temperature to 50 degrees F Fast 18 hours prior to transport Clinical Management 1. Cetacean 1. History Signs of disease detected by trainer as behavioral changes fro normal swimming pattern, appetite, social interaction, respiration rates 2. Restraint Drain tank, place on foam mats, manual or mechanical restraint Chemical Contraindicated to use Phenothiazine dervative tranquilizers effects respiration/thermoregulation Chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride 0.5 mg/kg for anxiety General Anesthesia IV thiamylal sodium 10 mg/kg Intubate/maintain on halothane 1% Recovery is long 3. Physical Examination Body temperature - flexible rectal thermster probe inserted at least 20 cm = 37.8 degrees C Heart Rate Inspiration 70 - 100/minute than slows to 30 - 40/minute prior to exhalation Body Condition Weight loss exhibited in cervical areas giving "Coke bottle" appearance. Cncave appearance at base of dorsal fin Lumbar vertebrae will be more visible Biological Specimens Blood collection by venapuncture of vacular netweork of flukes dorsal fin, flipperas and peduncle Feces normally thick, brown color, solubabl in water Urine Catheterization of male or female Male - 8 French Cathether X 50 cm long Female - 12 French X 20 cm Blowhole exudates for bacteria; parasistes culture Specialized Procedures Radiography of adult dlophin (180 Kg) Chest - 300 MA, 3/10 sec 110 K V Abdomen - 300 MA, .25 90 K V Gastroscopy Utilize, 160 cm fiberoptic colonxcope Visualize forestomach for ulcers/foreign bodies Gastric palphaton for foreign bodies by insertion of hand into forestomach Liver Function Test Indocyanine green 24 mg/Kg IV B S P - tissue toxic Liver Biopsy Menghini BIopsy Needle - 125 cm Animal on left side, insert needle on right side at level of tip of adducted pectoral flipper Bone Marrow Biopsy Lumbar vertebrae bodies Jamshidi BIopsy Needles 8.5 cm X 11-13 ga Tooth Exraction for Age Determiation Anesthesia with 2% xylocaine Block mandibular nerve by injection into mandibular foremen Extrat tooth 15 - 20th from cranal tip of mandible Obstetric Doppler Device Diagnose pregnancy as early as 4th month Use left side, fetal heart rate double mothers Serum Progesterone Levels Radioimmune assay detects pregnancy as early as 3 - 4 weeks Requires two tests to rule out ovulation Force-Feeding Anorectic State Whole fish Fish/electrolyte/antibiotic solution blended and given via equine stomach tube Medications Oral administration by inserting meds into fish if animal is eating I M injections just anterior to dorsalfin 18-20 ga - 3.5 cm needle Fluids I V in peripheral vessels - but very slow I P with 14 - 18 ga - 12.5 cm needle or a catheter covered needle Give up to 4 L./Hour Antibiotics Dosages Penicillin (IM) - 8,800 units/Kg SID Chloramphenicol (oral) - 22 mg/Kg BID Doxycycline *oral) - 20 mg/Kg BID Ampicillin (oral) - 20 mg/Kg TID Gentamyin (IM) - 5 mg/kg BID - for oly 5 days Keflex (oral) - 20 mg/kg TID Parasite Therapy Nasitrema Sp - trematode of air sinuses, Triangular operculated, OVa in blowhole sputum, Sputum is yelllow-brown in coloer, chronic sinusitis, therapy Lorothoidol 20 mg/kg 5 doses in a 10-day period, Animal becomes anorectic Gastric Nematodes Piperazine - orally - 55 mg/kg Intestinal Cestodes Niclosamide - oral - 110 mb/kg II. Pinnipeds 1. History Similar to Cetacean 2. Bilogkc Speimens Blood by vena puncture Otariids - caudal gluteal vein at level of sacral vertebrae Jugular puncture at junction of jugular/axillary veins Phocids - intravertbral, extradurl vein within the vertebral canal Feces - dark brown - solid to semi-solid 3. Restraint Squeeze Cage Manual Chemical - refer top handout General Anesthesia Otariids - less than 150 lbs. Cone with 10% halothane Intubate/1% halothane More than 150 ibs. - Chlorodiazoxide hydrochloride 1.1 - 2.2 mg/kg Cone with 10% halothane Phocids Thiamulal Sodium I V - 10 mg/kg Intubate/1% Halothane 4. Parasites Nematodes Ga\stric/Intestinal Thiabendazole 66 mg/kg Piperazie 110 mg/kg Levamisole 44 mg/kg Respiratory/Cardiovascular Levamisole 44 mg/kg Microfilaria (Dirofilariz) Diethyclarbamazine 6.6. mg/kg 5. Force-Feeding Similar to Cetacean Diseases 1. Cetaceans A. Respiratory Duseases 1. Nasal cavity Candida sp - usually secondary infection from skin 2. Sinuses Nasitrema sp - low grade inflammation with production of foul smelling blowhile exudate Delkephinus/Lagenorhycnhyus flukes cause encephalopathy in cerebellum/cerebrum Stenurus sp - nematode in sinuses B. Lungs Bacterial - usually seen with immune suppression fro stress Staphylococcus sp Coagulase (+) Acute (less than 72 hours), hemorrhagic Severe pyemia/empyema Therapy - massive doese of Ampicillin/Gentamycin Pseudomonas sp Acute to chronic B. Cardoivascular Disease Heart Myocarditis - incidental in study of 55 Pilot Whales Artheosclerosis - coronary arteries/aorta noted Mitral value endocardiosis Periperal Vessels Erysipelothrix phusiopathie Throbosis of peripheral vessels with infarction/necrosis Therapy - massive doese of Ampicillin C. Dermatologic Disease 1. Bacterial Erysipelas - thromboidal lesions 2. Fungal Candida sp Oppoertunist organism - starts at blowhole Invades nasal/respiratory passage Infectivity related to water quality and animals immune resonse Treatment - Ancobon, Ketoconazole 20 mg/kg QID X 5 days Loboa loboi Cauliflower lesion/Therapy with Ketoconazole 3. Windburn Brying of skin (due to air, sun, or lack obecomes dark, cracks blisters. Tupical of sick animals wjo rest in water with blowhole exposed - results in drying of skin Prevention/treatment apply moisture retaining ointments to affected areas 4. Infactions Perivascular injetion of tissue toxic chemcials results in necrosis of distal extremities Usually sloughs/heals normally 5. Fresh Water Dolphins can be maintained in fresh water = 10 days More than 10 days - epidermis will balloon/slough lasma sodium less than 137 mEg./L, requires therapy 6. External Parasites Ciliated protozoans in blowhole exudate Copepods/Barnacles (Cirripedia) attach to edge of flukes 7. Miscellaneous "Tattoo" Lesion Discovery of itracytoplamic inclusion bodies similar to Pox Virus Usually self limiting, located on head Paisley Lesion More extensive with characteristic pattern Pin Hole Lesion Black dot leads to cellulitis with a necrotic hole D. Digestive tract Duseases Internal Parasitism Nematodes Anisakis sp - rarely severe Cestodes Diphyllobothrium Seen but not severe/self limiting on frozen fish diet Trematodes Braunina cordiformis Stomach - can persist for 3 years Campula sp Hepatic/pancreatic duct Pancreatitis/Colicystitis 2. Ulcers Forestomach/Duodanal Stomach Mucosal membrane Etiology Histamine rich fish diet/foreign objects/parasktes Signs - pain, anorexia, depression Therapy Liquid diet Antacid - lilquid (30 cc TID) Tagament - 100 mg TID X 30 days 3. Foreign Objects Common occurrence/Vomiting can remove object Diagnosis Gastroscopy/gastric palpation/radiography/most are found in forestomach 4.Enteritis Anorexia, Feces floats (gas) Feeding poor quality fish Pasteurella multocida Acute bacteremia with intestinal hemorrhage 5. Hepatitis Fatty degeneration/fibrosis/yellow brown friable liver Common in older animals Viral etiology, acute, high mortality 6. Pancreatitis Chronic fibrosis-older animals Organ enlarged, hard, white Feces pale/greasy E. Musculoskeletal Diseases Trauma Inflicted by dominant tank mate Self trauma if bored Dislocated pectoral flipper from improper handling/restraint Scoliosis Associated with Polio virus titer in some animals White muscle disease Cutaneous fungal infection Prognosis - very poor Myositis (gas producing) Trusiops - "blackleg-like" disease in ilioposas muscle Clostridium sp F. Urogenital Diseases Renal calculi - observed in few cases Gonadal disease - orchitis rare G. Ophthalmic Disease Corneal trauma with keratitis/conjunctivitis very common Examination of eye difficult Treatment is not successful H. Metabolic Endocrine Diseases Anemia Associated with bone marrow depression in debilitated animals Reticulocyte counts - 1% Erythrocyte half-life of 16.5 days I. Infections Diseases Erysipelas (Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae) Dermatologic form Rhomboid lesions Marked leukocytosis - left shift Death ensues in several days to weeks without therapy Septicemic Form Acute, few signs Death within hours Necropsy exhibits hemorrhage Prophylaxis Killed Bacterin 3 cc + 1 cc Penicillin - Streptomycin IM Semiannually MLV vaccine can cause disease Mycosis Systemic mycosis in Hawaii, N.E. USA, Mississippi, St. Lawrence River Valleys, U.S. Gulf Coast Genera - Nocardia, Candida, Aspergillus, Nucor, Actino bacillus, Blastomyces, Histoplasma Pathobiology Lower respiratory tract and other organs exhibiting Granulomatous nodules Secondary to other disease problems San Miguel Sea Lion Virus (SMSV) California - 1972 - CSL Antibody titer to 4 serotypes in variety of marine/terrestrial species Similar to Vesicular Exanthema Virus of Swine II. Pinnipeds A. Respiratory Upper Tract Diseases Nasal mite (orthohalarachne diminurata) Signs of coughing, low grade inflammation of turbinates Lungs C.S.L. Parafilaroides decorus Lung worm infestation common in 50% of weanlings Diagnosis by direct smear of feces/lung mucus showing larvae Sequeale Mucoid bronchiolar obstruction Extensive goblet cells stimulated by larvae, produce excess mucus to block bronchioles Therapy - mucolytic agents, nonrepinephrine, and isopril as aerosol to respiratory tract Bacterial Pneumonia Focal inflammation, local abscessation, chronic infection Therapy with appropriate antibiotic Vermicide Levamisolehydrochlside-oral 8 mg/kg Levamisole dehydrogen phosphate IM - 15 mg/kg Harbor Seal - Otostrongylus circumlitus Complete/Partial occlusion of bronchioles B. Cardiovascular Dipetalonema odenhali Microfilaria - 50% of CSL pups Adult in S.Q. of muscle Dirofilaria immitis Unnatural host is C S L Disease in animals maintained in endemic heart worm areas Adults in heart/pulmonary vessels Dipetalonema spirocauda Otostrongylus circumlitus Both seen in heart of Harbor Seal C. Dermatologic Seal Pox C S L, So American S L, Harbor Seal Pox virus - Nodules 1-3 cm x 1 cm Newly captured young animals highly susceptible Dramatic but self limiting disease, low mortality, high morbidity Dermodicosis Demodex sp - Sub adult CSL Alopecia, hyperkeratosis Lesions on ventral body, wall dorsal surfaces of flippers Therapy with Ronnel Pediculosis Heavy infestation/treat with E-Z Dip - Tevisco D. Digestive Tract Diseases Parasites Contracaecum osculatrum/associated with gastric mucosal ulcers Uncinaria sp Severe problem in Northern Fur Seal Pups/Infected, Via the milk Diphyllobotrium pacificum Severe infection results in intestinal obstruction Gastric Ulcers Similar etiology as Cetacean Hepatitis Zalophotrema hepaticum Heavy infestation results in partial thickening, bileu duct proliferation and dilation Increased Ornithine Carbamy 11 transferase (OCT) Increase in plasma levels indicate severe problem Ataxia Otarids "Heel walking," depression, ataxia Enterotoxemia, (Clostridium perfringens) thiamine deficiency, hypoglycemia Therapy - injectable thiamine, C1 prefringens vaccine, good quality food E. Urogenital Diseases Leptospirosis Leptospira pomona Depression, posterior limb paresis Caused large epidemic at one time International Assocation for Aquatic Animal Medicine - contact Dr. Bill Medway, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19174. Marine Mammal Commission, 1625 Eye Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006 - contact Robert J. Hoffman, Ph.D. Scientific Program Director. Selected References General Anderson, H. T.: The Biology of Marine Mammals. Academic Press, New York, 1969. Cockrill, W.R.: Pathology of the Cetacea - A veterinary study on whales. Brit. Vet. J., 116:1-28, 1960. Cowan, D. F.: Pathology of the pilot whate. Arch. path., 82:178, 1966. Dudok von Heel, W. H. (ed): Aquatic Mammals. Dolfinarium Harderwijk, Netherlands. Gaskin, D. E.: Whales, Dolphins and Seals. St. Martin's Press, N.Y., 1972. Keyes, M. C.: Pathology of the northern fur seal. JAVMA, 147:1090, 1965. Harrison, R.J.: Functional Anatomy of Marine Mammals. Vol. I Academic Press, London, 1972. Hubbard, R.C.: Chemotherapy in captive marine mammals. Bull. Wildil Dis. Assoc., 5:218-230, 1969. , and Poulter, T. C.: Seals and sea lions as models for studies in comparative biology. Lab. Animal Care. 18:288-297, 1968. Ridgway, S. H.: Mammals of the Sea. Biology and Medicine, Charles C. Thomas, Springfield, Illinois, 1972. Sliljper, E. J.: Whales and Dolphins. The University of Michigan Press. Ann Arbor, 1976. Sweeney, J. C.: Common diseases of pinnipeds. JAVMA, 165:805-810, 1974. : Procedures for clinical managements of pinnipeds, JAVMA, 165:811-814, 1974. Wilson, T. M., and Poglayen-Neuwall, I.: Pox in South American Sea Lions (Ortaria byronia). Canad. J. Comp. Med., 35:175, 1971. PROTOZOAL Migaki, G., Allen, J. F., and Casey, H. W.: Toxoplasmosis in a California sea lion. JAVMA, 38:135-36, 1977. NEOPLASMS Effron, M., Giner, L., and Benirschke, K.: Nature and rate of neoplasia found in captive wild mammals, birds, and reptiles. J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 59:185-198, 1977. Griner, L. A.: Malignant leukemic lymphoma in two harbor seals. Am. J. Vet, Res., 32:827-830, 1971. Mawdesley-Thomas, L. E.: Some aspects of neoplasia in marine animals. Adv. Marine Bio., 12:151-231, 1974. Stedham, M. A., et al.: Lymphosarcoma in an infant northern fur seal (Callorhuinus ursinus). J. Wild. Dis. 13:176-179, 1977. Stolk, A.: Some tumors in whales. Amsterdam Natur., 55:275, 1952. ______________: Some tumors in whales III. Proc. Kon. Ned. V. Wetensch., 65:250-267, 1962. MISCELLANEOUS De Long, R. L., et al.: Premature births in California sea lions: association with high organochlorine pollutant residue levels. Science 181:1168-1170, 1973. Geraci, J. R.: Thiamine deficiency in seals and recommendatins for its prevention. JAVMA, 165:801-803, 1974. ________________: Hyponatremia and the need for dketary salt supplementation in captive pinnipeds. JAVMA, 165:801-803, 1974. Rigdon, R. H., and Drager, G. A.: Thiamine deficiency in sea lions (Otaria califoriana) fed only frozen fish. JAVMA, 453-455, November 1955. White, J. R.: Thiamine deficiency in an Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) on a diet of raw fish. JAVMA, 157:559, 1970. Fowler, M.E.: Zoo and Wild ANimal Medicine, W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, Pa, 1978. Wilson, T. M. and Long, J. R.: Staphyloccal granulomas (botryomycosis) in harp seals. J. Wildl. Dis., 6:1559-1559, 1970. FUNGAL Caldwell, D. K., et al Lobomycosis as a disease of the Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphin. Am . J. Trop. Med. Hyg., 24:105, 1975. Frese, K. Dermatitis in seals (Otaria bryonia, Blainsville) caused by Dermatopius congolensis. Berl. Munch. tieraerztl. Wochenschr., 84:50-54, 1971. Kaplan, W., et al Pulmonary mucromycosi in a harp seal caused by Dermatophilus congolensis. Berl. Munch. tieraerztl. Wochenschr., 84:50-54, 1971. Migaki, G., et al Lobo's disease in an Atlantic bottlenosed dlophin. JAVMA, 159:578-582, 1971. : Sporotrichosis in a Pacific white- sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens). Am. J. Vet. Res. December 1978 , Gunnels, R. D., and Casey, H.W.: Pulmonary cryptococcosi in an Artlantic bottlenosed dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Lab. An. Sci., 28:603-606, 1978. Nakeeb, S., Targowski, S. P. and spotte: Chronic cutaneous candidiasks in bottle-nosed dolphins. JAVMA, 171:961-656, 1977. Reed, R. E. et al: Coccidioidomcoszis in a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). J. Wildl. Dis., 12:372-375, 1976. Sweeney, J. C. et al: Systemic mycosis in marine mammals. JAVMA, 169:946-948, 1976. Williamson, W. M., etal : Norrth American blastomycosis in a northern sea lion. JAVMA, 135:513-515, 1959. Wilson, T. M. Krstead, M., and Long, J.: Histoplasmosis in a harp seal. JAVMA, 165:815-817, 1974. VIRAL Sawyer, J. C: Vesicular exanthema of swine and San Miguel sea lion virus, JAVMA, 169-707-9, 1976. Smith, A.W., Akers, T. G. Madin, S. H., and Vedros, N. A>: San Miguel sea lion virus isol.ation, preliminary characterization and relationship to vsicular exanthema of swine virus. Nature, 244:108-110, 1973. Wilson, T. M., Dykes, R. W., and Tsai, K. S.: Pox in uoung captive harbor seals. JAVMA, 161:611-617, 1972. Perry, M. L. and Forrester, D. J.: Dipetalonema odendali (Nematoda: Filariodoides) from the northern fur sea; with a description of the microfilaria J. Parasit., 57:469, 1971. Price, E. W. : The trematode parasites of marine mammals. Proc. US Nat Mus. 81:1-68, 1932. Ridgway, S. H., and Dailey, M. D.: Cerebral and cerebellar involvement of trematode parasites in dolphins and their possible role in stranding. J. Wildl. Dis., 8:33-43, 1972. Schroeder, R. J., et al: Marine mammal disease surveillance program in Los Angeles County. JAVMA, 163:580-581, 1973. Schryver, H. F., Medweay, W., and Williams, J. F.: The stomach fluke Braunina cordiformis in the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. JAVMA, 151:884-886, 1967. Woodard, J. C., Zam, S. G>, Caldwell, D. K., and Caldwell, M. C.: Some prasitic disease ofd Vet., 6:257-272, 1969. Yamaguti, S.: Systema Helminthum, Vol I and III. Interscience, New York, 1961. BACTERIAL Boever, W. J., Thoen, C. O., and Wallach, J. D.: Mycobacterium chelonei infection in a Natterer Manatee. JAVMA, 169:927-929, 1976. Colgrove, G. S. and Migaki, G.: Cerebral abscess associated with stranding in a dolphin. J. Wild. Dis., 12-271-4, 1976. Cusick, P. K. and Bullock, B. C.: Ulcerative dermatitis and pneumonia associated with Acromonas hydrophilia infection in the bottle-nosed dolphin. JAVMA, 163:578-579, 1973. Geraci, J. R., Sauer, R. M., and Medway, W.: Erysipelas in dolphins. Amer. J. Vet. Res., 27:597, 1966. Medway, W., and Schryver, H. F.: respiratory problems in captive small cetaceans. JAVMA, 163:571-573, 1973. Streitfeld, M. M. and CHapman, C. G.: Staphylococcus aureus infections of captive dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and oceanarium personnel. Am. J. Vet. Res. 37:303-5, 1976. Van Pelt, R. W., and Dietrich, R. A>: Staphylococcal infection and toxoplasmosis in a young harbor seal. J. Wildl. Dis., 9:258- 261, 1973. Vedros, N. A., et al: Leptospirosis epizootic among California sea lions. Science, 172:125--1251, 1971. Sweeney, J. C. and Ridgway, S. H.: Common diseases of small cetaceans. JAVMA, 167:533-40, 1975. : Procedures for the clinical management of small cetaceans. JAVMA, 167:540-545, 1975. PARASITIC Dailey, M. D. and Walker, W. A.: Parasitism as a factor (?) in single standings of southern California cetaceans. J. Parasitol. 64:593-596, 1978. Delyamure, S. L.: Helminthofauna of Marine Mammals. Academy of Science USSRl Moscow, 1965, (translated from Russian), U.S. Dept of the Interior and Nat. Sci. Found., Washington, D. C., 1968. Dunlap, J. S., Piper, R. C., and Keyes, M. C.: Lesions associated with Orthohalarachne attenuata (Halarachnidae) in the northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus). J. Wild. Dis. 12:42-44, 1976. Fleischman, R. W., and Squire, R. A.: Verminous pneumonia in the California sea lion. Pathol. Vet., 7:89-101, 1970. Forrester, D. J., Jackson, R. F., Miller, J. P., and Townsend, B. C.: Heartworms in captive Calfornia sea lions. JAVMA, 163:568- 570, 1973. Kim, K. C.: Lous populations of the northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) Am. J. Vet. REs., 33:2027-2036, 1972. Liu, S. K., and Edward, A. G.: Gastric ulcers associated with Contracaecu spp. (Nematoda: Ascaroidea) in a Steller sea lion and a white pelican. J. WildL. Dis., 7:266-271, 1971. Medway, W.: Dirofilaria immitis infection in a harbor seal. JAVMA. 167: 549-550, 1975. Migaki, G., Van Dyke, D., and Hubbard, R. C.: Some histopathological lesions caused by helminths in marine mammals. J. Wildl, Dis., 7:281-289, 1971. Neiland, K. A., Rice, D. W., and Holden, Barbara L.: Helminths of marine mammals, Part I. The genus Nasitrema, nasal-flukes of delphinid cetacea J. Parasit., 56:305-316,1970 Olsen, O. W., and Lyons, E. T.: Life cycle of Unicinaria lucasi AStiles, 1901 (Nematoda: Ancylostomatidae) of fur seals, Callorhinus ursinus Linn., on the Pribilor Islands, Alaska.. J. Parasit., 51:689-700, 1965. Parker, G. A. et al: Cerebral trematodiasis in a dolphin. Mil. Med/ 142: 861, 869-871, 1977. ABSTRACT: 1. Characterization of two influenza viruse from a Pilot Whale. Hinshaw, V.S., W. J. Bean, J. Geraci, P. Fiorella, G. Early and R. G. Wevster. 1986, J. Vorologu, 58:655 A wild pilot whale having difficulty swimming, was killed and subjected to necropsy. It was emaciated and exhibited severe skin sloughing. At necropsy, a hilar lymph node was approximately five times normal size and the lungs were hemorrhagie Hemagglutinating viruses were isolated from both lymph node and lung. Initial isolation was at the lower limit of detection. Both lung and hilar lymph noder yielded H13N2 influenza virus and the hilar node yielded H13N9 as well. Badly autolyzed tissues from 19 associated dead stranded whales did not yield virus. Comparison of the two whale isolates with H13 influenza virus from gulls using monospecific sera to the heamagglutinin and monoclonal antibodies to the neuriminidase ndicates that the whale virus is closely related to the H13 gull virus. Competitive RNA-RNA hybridization confirmed the relationship to each other and the gull H13 viruses but distinguished the isolates from other influenza A viruses. 2. Characterization of the major Whey proteins from the milks of the Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops trucatus), the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris), and the Beagle (Canis familiaris). Pervaiz, S., and K. Brew. 1986. Arch. Biochem. Biophys., 246:846. The major whey proteins of the milks of each of the three species were purified by gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography and identified by moecular weight determinatins, amino acid analysis, and N-terminal sequencing. Dolphin milk contained 2 beta-lactoglobulins similar to the situation found in hoursek, whereas the other milks only contained a single form of beta-lactoglobulins. Dolphin alpha lactoalbumins were similar to runant alpha lactoalbumins. No alph lactoalbumin was detected in anatee milk. 3. Energy sources in fasting grey seal pups evaluated with computed toorgraphy. Nordoy, E.S. and A.S Blix 1985. Am. J. Physiol. 249:R471. Two weanling grey seals (Halichoerus grupus) held under controlled conditions were monitored at intervals by indirect calorimetry and computerized tomography to determine the relative importance of different endogenous sources of energy during the post weaning fast. The metabolic rate (1.58 W x kg-1) was stable and significantly higher than predicated by Klieber. Both muscle mass and blubber mass decreased during the fast. Approximately 94% of the energy expended by grey seal pups diring the first 4 week post-weaning fast was considered derived from subcutaneous fat deposits. 4. Evaluation of the A/Seal/Mass/1/80 virus in squirrel monkeys. Murphy, B.R., J. Harper, D. Sly, E. London. N. Miller, and R. Webster. 1983 Infect and Immun., 42:424. An influenza A virus isolated from seals and an isolate of the same virus obtained from a human conjunctiva were evaluated for replicaton and virulence in squirrel monkeys. Tracheal and conjunctival inoculations were studied. The illness experienced by the monkeys infected with seal virus consisted of rhinitis, lethargy, and anorexia. One monkey infected with the isolae from the human eye died. Seal virus from both sources was able to replicate efficiently in the monkeys and spread systemically. 5. Gonadotropin in the term placenta of the dlophin (Tursiops truncatus), the California sealion (Zalophus californianus), the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) and man. Hobson, B. and L. Wide 1986. J. Repord. Fertil., 76:637. Chorionic gonadotrophin activity in extracts of term placentas were measured by effetiveness in increasing uterine weight in mice, and solid phase RIA using hCG as immunogens and labelled antigen. Compared to human placenta the dolphin had higher levels, the sealion similar levels and the grey seal lower levels, The authors discuss indicatons of structural similarities betwen choriogonadotropins in the placenate of the marine mammals and human choriogonadotropins. 6. Mechanism of fluid secretion in isolated shark renal proximal tibiles. Sawyer, D. and K. Beyenbach. 185. Am J. Physiol, 249:F884. Using an isolated tubule preparation (Spiny dogfish), Dibutyrl cAMP stimulated fluid secretion 50% Furosemide inhibited fluid secretion 50% and metabolic inhibitors blocked fluid secretion nearly 100%. Secreted fluid was slightly hypersomotic. The authors propse that sponaneous fluid secretion is driven by secretion of NaCi in the shark. 7. Dophin sound production: Physiologic, diurnal and behavioral correlations. Sam Ridgeway. 1983 J. Acoustical Soc. of America, 74:Suppl. 1. The report reveals that an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin may produe as many as 50,000 episoes of sound in a 24-hour period although the average daily sound production iz more like 5,000. Three types of sounds are produced whistles, buirst pulse sounds, and click sounds. They are produced most often in the hour before and during feeding and during the hour after sunset. Dolphins appear to display aggression and nervousness through changes in their normal sound patterns. It is possible that the dolphin's ability to locate objects using high-frequency click trains evolved from sounds experessing aggression. 8. The functional anatomy of the gills of the dogfcyliorhinjus canicula). Metcalfe, J. and P. Buitler. 1986 J. Zool London, 208:519 The vascular anatomy of the gills of the dogfish is described in detail baed upon vascular casting and scanning electron microscopy studies. The paper describes two distinct blood pathways, one involved in respiratory gas exhange and antoher whcih diverts blood into the venous drainage from the gills. 9. Homing by released California sealions, Zalophus californianus, following release on distant islands. Ridgeway, S. and C. Robison. 1985. Canadian J. Zool., 63:2162. California sealions frequently beach thmselves on docks or near marine mammal facilities such as oceanarium when they are sick or dying. Four such animals were turned over to the Naval Ocean Systems Center between 1978 and 1984. The animals were provided food nd medical care until they were healthy and, proving unreliable in Naval Marine Mammal training programs. They were returned to the wild and releaesd. Three of the sealions were flown to San Clemente Island and released on the west side near a large sealion rookery. Within 7 days all 3 had returned to the NOSC facility in San Diefgo where they had been maintained during their recovery. The sealion which had been in captivity the longest - six years - made the 71 mile swin in 2 days. Two months later all four sealioins were taken by truck to Point Magu, CA. and then flown to San Nicolas Island. The 2 larger sealions including the 6-year veteran returne to the NOSC facility, a distance of nearly 150 miles in four and eight days. The animals have since remained in captivity at NOSC. This is the first evidence, according to the authors, for such specific east-west navigation by sealions and it suggests that they are good navigator. Previous studies established major north-south migrations of male sealions but not east-west navigation. 10. Ribolfavin requirement of rgrowth, tissue saturation and maximal flavin-dependent enzyme activity in young rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) at two temperatures. B. Woodward 1985. J. Nutrition 115:78. In 16 and 10 week trals with fry fed controled diets, riboflavin requirements for maximal growth rate, liver flavin saturatin, spleen and heaatin and maximal hepatic D-aminoacid oxidase activity were detemined as 3.6, 4.6, 6.6, and 5.6 mg/kg diet respetively. The requirements were not affected by temperature of by genetically determined difference in maximal growth rate. When expressed n a dietary energy basis, the riboflavin requirements for trout maximal growth rate appear similar to those of homeothermic species.