1
|
Balseiro A, Herrero-García G, Royo LJ, Armenteros JÁ, Altonaga JR, Monasterio JM, Balsera R, Pool RV, García Marín JF, Pis-Millán JA. Hypertrophic osteopathy in a common dolphin ( Delphinus delphis) with concurrent pulmonary Halocercus delphini infestation. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17011. [PMID: 37484216 PMCID: PMC10361101 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Dolphins are marine mammals that often live in coastal habitats. Common causes of severe skeletal disorders among wild dolphins are congenital vertebral anomalities, collisions with sea vessels, trauma, hunting-related injury, infectious diseases, environmental pollution, and tumors. A free-ranging male, 3-year-old common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) was found dead in the coast of Asturias in northern Spain. Postmortem examination revealed lordosis in the caudal vertebral column, while X-ray imaging and computer tomography showed well-organized palisade-like periosteal proliferation, appearing as florid-like accretions, along the spinous apophysis of 26 lumbar-caudal vertebrae. The transverse apophysis was affected on only a few caudal vertebrae. The cortical layer remained intact. Histology of vertebra tissue showed periosteal proliferation of cancellous bone. The animal was diagnosed with hypertrophic osteopathy. The lungs showed diffuse parasitic granulomatous bronchointerstitial pneumonia caused by Halocercus delphini, consolidation of the pulmonary tissue, congestion, and alveolar edema. The animal was also afflicted by parasitic granulomatous gastritis caused by Anisakis simplex sensu lato and tattoo skin disease. The dolphin suffered from hypertrophic osteopathy associated with pulmonary Halocercus delphini infestation. This syndrome, known as hypertrophic pulmonary osteopathy, has been described in diverse terrestrial mammals, including domestic animals, wildlife and humans, but not in dolphins. This case reports the first description of hypertrophic osteopathy associated to a pulmonary disorder in dolphin, and it provides insights into factors that can induce column malformation in dolphins, suggesting the importance of taking thoracic lesions into account during differential diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Balseiro
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Gloria Herrero-García
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Luis J. Royo
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario del Principado de Asturias (SERIDA), 33300 Villaviciosa, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Funcional, Genética, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - José Ángel Armenteros
- Dirección General de Medio Natural y Planificación Rural del Principado de Asturias, 33007 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - José R. Altonaga
- Hospital Veterinario de León, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Juana M. Monasterio
- Dirección General de Medio Natural y Planificación Rural del Principado de Asturias, 33007 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Ramón Balsera
- Dirección General de Medio Natural y Planificación Rural del Principado de Asturias, 33007 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Rachel V. Pool
- Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Parc Cientific, Universitat de Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | | | - José Antonio Pis-Millán
- Centro de Experimentación Pesquera, Dirección General de Pesca Marítima del Principado de Asturias, 33212 Gijón, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Betty EL, Stockin KA, Hinton B, Bollard BA, Orams MB, Murphy S. Age- and sex-specific survivorship of the Southern Hemisphere long-finned pilot whale ( Globicephala melas edwardii). J Mammal 2022; 104:39-48. [PMID: 36818685 PMCID: PMC9936501 DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyac085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity loss is a major global challenge of the 21st century. Ultimately, extinctions of species are determined by birth and death rates; thus, conservation management of at-risk species is dependent on robust demographic data. In this study, data gathered from 381 (227 females, 154 males) long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas edwardii) that died in 14 stranding events on the New Zealand coast between 2006 and 2017 were used to construct the first age- and sex-specific life tables for the subspecies. Survivorship curves were fitted to these data using (1) a traditional maximum likelihood approach, and (2) Siler's competing-risk model. Life table construction and subsequent survival curves revealed distinct differences in the age- and sex-specific survival rates, with females outliving males. Both sexes revealed slightly elevated rates of mortality among the youngest age-classes (<2 years) with postweaning mortality rates decreasing and remaining relatively low until the average life expectancy is reached; 11.3 years for males and 14.7 years for females. Overall (total) mortality is estimated to be 8.8% and 6.8% per annum for males and females, respectively. The mortality curve resembles that of other large mammals, with high calf mortality, lower postweaning mortality, and an exponentially increasing risk of senescent mortality. An accelerated mortality rate was observed in mature females, in contrast to the closely related short-finned pilot whale (G. macrorhynchus), which selects for an extension to the postreproductive life span. The reason for the observed differences in the mortality rate acceleration and postreproductive life span between the two pilot whale species have not been established and warrant further investigation. Obtaining robust information on the life history of long-lived species is challenging, but essential to improve our understanding of population dynamics and help predict how future pressures may impact populations. This study illustrates how demographic data from cetacean stranding events can improve knowledge of species survival rates, thus providing essential information for conservation management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen A Stockin
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, College of Sciences, Massey University, Auckland 0745, New Zealand
| | - Bethany Hinton
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, College of Sciences, Massey University, Auckland 0745, New Zealand
| | - Barbara A Bollard
- School of Engineering, Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Mark B Orams
- Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 0627, New Zealand
| | - Sinéad Murphy
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, School of Science and Computing, Atlantic Technological University, ATU Galway City, Galway, Ireland,Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Consoli FMA, Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Arbelo M, Fulle S, Marchisio M, Encinoso M, Fernandez A, Rivero MA. Cetaceans Humerus Radiodensity by CT: A Useful Technique Differentiating between Species, Ecophysiology, and Age. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12141793. [PMID: 35883340 PMCID: PMC9311750 DOI: 10.3390/ani12141793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cetaceans are mammals that underwent a series of evolutionary adaptations to live in the aquatic environment, including morphological modifications of various anatomical structures of the skeleton and their bone mineral density (BMD); there are few studies on the latter. BMD is related to the radiodensity measured through computed tomography (CT) in Hounsfield units (HU). This work aimed to test and validate the usefulness of studying humeral bone radiodensity by CT of two cetacean species (the Atlantic spotted dolphin and the pygmy sperm whale) with different swimming and diving habits. The radiodensity was analysed at certain levels following a new protocol based on a review of previous studies. Humeral radiodensity values were related to four aspects: species, diving behaviour, swimming activity level, and age. We observed that the consistent differences in the radiodensity of the cortical bone of the distal epiphysis between animals of different life-history categories suggest that this bone portion could be particularly useful for future ontogenetic studies. Hence, this technique may be helpful in studying and comparing species with different ecophysiologies, particularly distinguishing between swimming and diving habits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Maria Achille Consoli
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35400 Las Palmas, Spain; (F.M.A.C.); (M.A.); (A.F.); (M.A.R.)
- Department of Neuroscience Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35400 Las Palmas, Spain; (F.M.A.C.); (M.A.); (A.F.); (M.A.R.)
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35400 Las Palmas, Spain; (F.M.A.C.); (M.A.); (A.F.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Stefania Fulle
- Department of Neuroscience Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Marco Marchisio
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University G. D’Annunzio, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Mario Encinoso
- Hospital Clínico Veterinario, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain;
| | - Antonio Fernandez
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35400 Las Palmas, Spain; (F.M.A.C.); (M.A.); (A.F.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Miguel A. Rivero
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35400 Las Palmas, Spain; (F.M.A.C.); (M.A.); (A.F.); (M.A.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lingham-Soliar T, Bloodgood J, Rothschild B, Bouveroux T. Survival of an Indian Ocean humpback dolphin Sousa plumbea in the wild despite chronic osteologic pathologies. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2022; 154:49-57. [PMID: 37318384 DOI: 10.3354/dao03729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal examination of a female adult Indian Ocean humpback dolphin Sousa plumbea from South Africa suggested a chronic disease process. It manifested as erosions and pitting of the atlanto-occipital articulation as well as circumferential hyperostosis and ankylosis of some of the caudal vertebrae, findings rarely recorded together in the same animal. The character of the erosive process and vertebral fusion appeared chronic, and further findings of underdevelopment of the fluke, sternum and left humerus with remodeling of the periarticular region of the left scapula may support initiation of the process early in life. Because such chronic pathology would have affected the individual's locomotion and foraging abilities, we also postulate how this individual survived until its demise in a human-derived environmental hazard. Ecological and socio-behavioral aspects observed in S. plumbea, including habitat preference for inshore and shallow waters, small social group aggregations and feeding cooperation, may have contributed to its ability to survive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theagarten Lingham-Soliar
- Nelson Mandela University, Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Port Elizabeth 77000, South Africa
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
San Martín AA, Dellabianca NA, Gimeno EJ, Van Bressem MF. Postcranial axial skeletal pathology in Commerson's dolphins Cephalorhynchus c. commersonii from Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2019; 136:183-192. [PMID: 31621651 DOI: 10.3354/dao03404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Commerson's dolphins Cephalorhynchus c. commersonii are the small cetacean most frequently found stranded along the coast of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, but little is known about their pathologies. We examined the postcranial axial skeleton of 425 Commerson's dolphins collected in the period 1974-2011 for the presence of pathologies. Miscellaneous lesions were detected in 107 (25.2%) of the specimens. Among them, idiopathic hyperostosis was the most frequent pathology (73.8%), followed by spondyloarthropathy (40.2%). Traumata (25.2%), spondylitis (10.3%) and osteoarthritis (11.2%) occurred less frequently. The type of lesion was statistically associated with the region of the vertebral column. Idiopathic hyperostosis occurred significantly more frequently in the lumbar vertebrae than in other parts of the vertebral column, while spondyloarthropathy was more frequent in the thoracic and caudal vertebrae. Both conditions were predominantly seen in mature dolphins. Osteoarthritis affected the transverse processes of the thoracic vertebrae of 6 males, 3 females and 3 individuals of undetermined sex, all mature. Healed and unhealed fractures were observed in the ribs of 27 specimens and in the transverse processes of 3 others. Spondylitis of various degrees of severity affected the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and caudal regions of 11 individuals. Together these data indicate that bone lesions and traumata commonly occur in Commerson's dolphins, likely causing pain and morbidity in severe cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Analía A San Martín
- Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas (CADIC), Bernardo Houssay 200, Ushuaia, 9410, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Radiographic assessment of pectoral flipper bone maturation in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), as a novel technique to accurately estimate chronological age. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222722. [PMID: 31557197 PMCID: PMC6762177 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate age estimation in wildlife conservation is an important diagnostic tool in the interpretation of biological data, necropsy examination, reproductive status and population demographics. The most frequently utilized methods to age bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) include tooth extraction; counting dental growth layer groups and dental radiography. These methods are inaccurate in dolphins > 13 years old, due to overlapping of the growth layer groups in dolphins and worn teeth. Establishing a non-invasive method of accurately aging bottlenose dolphins across the entire age range is important to long term conservation efforts to understand health status, lifespan, reproduction and survivability. A database of 126 radiographs from 94 dolphins of known chronological age was utilized to establish the stages of skeletal ossification over time. A numerical score from -1 to 8 was assigned to 16 anatomic locations on the pectoral radiograph, to create a formula to estimate age. The most informative areas to evaluate morphologically were the metaphyseal regions of the radius and ulna, and the proximal and distal epiphysis of metacarpals II and III. Third order polynomial regression calculated separate age predictor formulas for male and female dolphins, with females reaching sexual maturity earlier than males. Completion of epiphyseal closure of the long bones correlated with average sexual maturity. Managed care dolphin ages could be properly estimated with decreasing precision from within 3 months in animals < 5 years old, to within 5 years in animals > 30 years old. This diagnostic tool could also be applied to diagnose atypical ossification patterns consistent with nutritional, developmental or growth abnormalities, and identifying subclinical health issues. In conclusion, knowledge of the lifespan and the onset of sexual maturity for each species will allow this model to be applied to other cetaceans, facilitating age estimation via pectoral radiography in future research.
Collapse
|
7
|
Niño-Torres CA, Castelblanco-Martínez DN, Blanco-Parra MDP, Sánchez Okrucky R. Mandibular osteomyelitis in the bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821) (Odontoceti: Cetacea): first case in the Mexican Caribbean. MAMMALIA 2019. [DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2018-0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Oral pathological conditions are common in mammals and have been relatively well documented for some wild groups, but are rarely reported in marine mammals. Here, we report for the Mexican Caribbean the first case of mandibular osteomyelitis in a free-ranging dolphin. A bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus adult male (256.5 cm total length) was found stranded dead in the west coast of the State Reserve “Chetumal Bay Manatee Sanctuary”. Herein, we discuss some plausible explanations about the origin of this lesion to improve the knowledge about the species biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alberto Niño-Torres
- Universidad de Quintana Roo. , División de Ciencias e Ingeniería. , Blvd. Bahía s/n esq. Ignacio Comonfort, Col. Del Bosque, Chetumal , Quintana Roo 77019 , México
- Fundación Internacional para la Naturaleza y la Sustentabilidad (FINS), Calle Larún Mz75-L4, Andara, Chetumal , Quintana Roo 77014 , México
| | - Delma Nataly Castelblanco-Martínez
- Fundación Internacional para la Naturaleza y la Sustentabilidad (FINS), Calle Larún Mz75-L4, Andara, Chetumal , Quintana Roo 77014 , México
- CONACyT-Universidad de Quintana Roo , Blvd. Bahía s/n esq. Ignacio Comonfort, Col. Del Bosque, Chetumal , Quintana Roo 77019 , México
| | - María del Pilar Blanco-Parra
- Fundación Internacional para la Naturaleza y la Sustentabilidad (FINS), Calle Larún Mz75-L4, Andara, Chetumal , Quintana Roo 77014 , México
- CONACyT-Universidad de Quintana Roo , Blvd. Bahía s/n esq. Ignacio Comonfort, Col. Del Bosque, Chetumal , Quintana Roo 77019 , México
| | - Roberto Sánchez Okrucky
- Dolphin Discovery , Carretera Cancún-Tulúm Km 269.6, Puerto Aventuras , Quintana Roo 77750 , México
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
San Martín AA, Macnie SV, Goodall RNP, Boy CC. Pathology in skeletons of Peale's dolphin Lagenorhynchus australis from southern South America. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2016; 120:9-15. [PMID: 27304866 DOI: 10.3354/dao03010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Peale's dolphin Lagenorhynchus australis is frequently seen off the coast of southern South America, where it feeds among coastal kelp beds and occasionally strands. We searched for macroscopic evidence of skeletal lesions in 78 specimens of Peale's dolphin from 2 museum collections, which contain almost all of the species' skeletons known in collections worldwide. Thirty-two specimens (41%) had some type of osteological abnormalities. In 21 cases (66%), congenital deformations were the most predominant abnormality found. Acquired lesions included (1) induced trauma: abnormal curvature (n=5 specimens) and fractures (n=2); (2) infectious diseases: spondylo-osteomyelitis (n=3); and (3) degenerative diseases: exostoses (n=8) and spondylosis deformans (n=4). It is noteworthy that all of these animals died incidentally in gillnet entanglement and were presumably healthy at the time of death. The effect that different osseous lesions may have on an animal's quality of life may depend on the area of the spine affected and the number of vertebrae involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Analía A San Martín
- Museo Acatushún de Aves y Mamíferos Marinos Australes (AMMA), Sarmiento 44, (9410), Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fettuccia DDC, Silva VMFD, Simões-Lopes PC. Osteological alterations in the tucuxi Sotalia fluviatilis (cetacea, delphinidae). IHERINGIA. SERIE ZOOLOGIA 2013. [DOI: 10.1590/s0073-47212013000300007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We present a description of osteological alterations observed in the tucuxi, Sotalia fluviatilis (Gervais, 1853) from a sample of 43 specimens. Fractures were the most frequent alterations in the sample (16%), occurring in various regions of the skeleton such as the ribs, hyoid apparatus, transverse and neural processes of vertebrae and scapula. We observed three individuals with ankylosis between the cervical vertebrae and two individuals with morphological changes (cranio-caudally elongated hemal arch and flattened cranial margin of the scapula). The only observed pathology was a case of osteomyelitis in the left dentary, which caused the loss of teeth, deformation of the associated alveoli and the formation of a medial fistula (lingual) for drainage of purulent material. This represents the first record of osteomyelitis in S. fluviatilis.
Collapse
|
10
|
La Sala LF, Pozzi LM, McAloose D, Kaplan FS, Shore EM, Kompanje EJO, Sidor IF, Musmeci L, Uhart MM. Severe soft tissue ossification in a southern right whale Eubalaena australis. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2012; 102:149-56. [PMID: 23269389 PMCID: PMC3670425 DOI: 10.3354/dao02538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The carcass of a stranded southern right whale Eubalaena australis, discovered on the coast of Golfo Nuevo in Península Valdés, Argentina, exhibited extensive orthotopic and heterotopic ossification, osteochondroma-like lesions, and early degenerative joint disease. Extensive soft tissue ossification led to ankylosis of the axial skeleton in a pattern that, in many respects, appeared more similar to a disabling human genetic disorder, fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), than to more common skeletal system diseases in cetaceans and other species. This is the first reported case of a FOP-like condition in a marine mammal and raises important questions about conserved mechanisms of orthotopic and heterotopic ossification in this clade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luciano F La Sala
- Southern Right Whale Health Monitoring Program, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Groch KR, Marcondes MCC, Colosio AC, Catão-Dias JL. Skeletal abnormalities in humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae stranded in the Brazilian breeding ground. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2012; 101:145-158. [PMID: 23135142 DOI: 10.3354/dao02518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal tissues of 49 humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae that stranded between 2002 and 2011 along the Abrolhos Bank seashore and its adjacent waters in Brazil were studied. Twelve (24.5%) animals presented pathological changes in one or more bones. Degenerative changes and developmental malformations were most frequent (10.2% each), followed by inflammatory/infectious and traumatic lesions (8.2% each). Infectious diseases led to severe lesions of the caudal vertebrae of 2 whales. In one of these individuals, the lesions involved 6 caudal vertebrae, leading to ankylosis of 3 vertebrae. Degenerative changes were observed in the vertebral columns of 3 animals, involving the joints of 13 ribs of 1 individual, and in the humerus of 1 whale. Traumatic lesions, such as osseous callus in the ribs, were observed in 4 animals. In 1 whale, the rib showed severe osteomyelitis, possibly resulting from the infection of multiple fractures. Developmental abnormalities such as spina bifida on 3 cervical vertebrae of 1 whale, fusion of spinal processes on thoracic vertebrae of 1 individual and fusion of the first 2 ribs unilaterally or bilaterally in 4 animals were found. Chronic infectious conditions found in the axial skeleton may have restrained spinal mobility and had detrimental effects on the general health of the animals, contributing to stranding and death. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic study on skeletal lesions in stranded humpback whales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kátia R Groch
- Instituto Baleia Jubarte, Caravelas, Bahia 45900-000, Brazil.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
The “soft collagen” hypothesis in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory bowel disease and the seronegative spondylarthritides. Med Hypotheses 2010; 75:284-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2010.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2010] [Accepted: 03/04/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
13
|
Shilton CM, Brown GP, Benedict S, Shine R. Spinal arthropathy associated with Ochrobactrum anthropi in free-ranging cane toads (Chaunus [Bufo] marinus) in Australia. Vet Pathol 2008; 45:85-94. [PMID: 18192584 DOI: 10.1354/vp.45-1-85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory or degenerative pathology involving the vertebral bodies and/or ventral intervertebral joints has been described in numerous species, both captive and free ranging, including mammals, birds, and snakes, although never in amphibians. We described 15 cases of a newly recognized spinal arthropathy in adult cane toads (Chaunus [Bufo] marinus), an invasive species in Australia. Grossly appreciable lesions consisted primarily of ventral proliferation of bone and cartilage that resulted in ankylosis. Histologic examination of the entire vertebral columns of the 15 affected toads revealed 13 toads to have lesions at multiple intervertebral sites, totalling 41 intervertebral joints with lesions. Most lesions involved bone and cartilage proliferation that resulted in fusion of the joint, with (n = 15) or without (n = 9) associated pyogranulomatous inflammation. In the remaining 17 affected joints, histologic lesions were characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage without joint fusion. In addition, in one of these joints, there was also hemorrhage and pyogranulomatous inflammation. Bacterial culture of affected joints in 9 toads and grossly normal joints in 4 control toads resulted in isolation of Ochrobactrum anthropi in 7 affected toads but in none of the controls (P < .01). We proposed an interaction between degenerative and bacterial etiologies in the pathogenesis of this condition. Invasive toads may be predisposed to this condition because of their large size; increased rates of movement; and, possibly, immunosuppression resulting from inhabiting a novel environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C M Shilton
- Berrimah Veterinary Laboratories, Northern Territory Government, Berrimah, Northern Territory, Australia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Butti C, Corain L, Cozzi B, Podestà M, Pirone A, Affronte M, Zotti A. Age estimation in the Mediterranean bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus (Montagu 1821) by bone density of the thoracic limb. J Anat 2007; 211:639-46. [PMID: 17850286 PMCID: PMC2375788 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2007.00805.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The determination of age is an important step in defining the life history traits of individuals and populations. Age determination of odontocetes is mainly based on counting annual growth layer groups in the teeth. However, this useful method is always invasive, requiring the cutting of at least one tooth, and sometimes the results are difficult to interpret. Based on the concept that bone matrix is constantly deposited throughout life, we analysed the bone mineral density of the arm and forearm of a series of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus, Montagu 1821) stranded along the Italian coast of the Adriatic Sea or maintained in confined waters. The bone mineral density values we obtained were evaluated as possible age predictors of the Mediterranean population of this species, considering age as determined by counting growth layer groups in sections of the teeth and the total body length of the animal as references. Comparisons between left and right flipper showed no difference. Our results show that bone mineral density values of the thoracic limb are indeed reliable age predictors in Tursiops truncatus. Further investigations in additional odontocete species are necessary to provide strong evidence of the reliability of bone mineral density as an indicator of growth and chronological wear and tear in toothed-whales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bruno Cozzi
- Department of Experimental Veterinary ScienceItaly
| | | | - Andrea Pirone
- Department of Animal Productions, Section of Anatomy, University of PisaItaly
| | | | - Alessandro Zotti
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of PaduaItaly
| |
Collapse
|