Abstract

Candidiasis, both cutaneous and systemic, has been a major medical problem in European closed system dolphinariums. Diagnostic parameters including clinical history and appearance of lesions, culture and serology are discussed. A variety of pharmaceutical treatments have been attempted with results presented here. The serum uptake and excretion rate of Amphotericin B under experimental conditions in Tursiops is also reported.

Notes

Dr. Greenwood was not able to attend so these notes were made from Dr. Jay Sweeney's summary of the paper.

Systemic Treatment

Amphotericin B is given orally at a dose of 2 mg/kg tid. Injectable Amphotericin B is contraindicated in dolphins because intravenous administration can cause infarcts. The serum levels attained with the presently available product of Amphotericin B oral are low. These levels don't cure the disease, but help control it. A serum level of 0.5 ug/ml or greater of Amphotericin B will kill Candida.

There is a new product which will be coming to Canada in three months for human and animal use which should be more efficacious.

Thiofluorasidozine and Amphotericin are synergistic allowing one to decrease the dose of thiofluorasidozine by one-half, thus lowering renal toxicity effects.

Cutaneous Treatment

Debride the wound, then put Amphotericin in waterproof glue (superglue will do) and apply it.