Abstract

A 26 year old, female Atlantic walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) presented with an acutely reduced appetite and lethargy, but no other obvious abnormalities. Anorexia and depression developed and physical examination revealed pale mucous membranes and dehydration. The walrus was physically restrained to allow venipuncture and the administration of fluid therapy. Initial complete blood counts were unremarkable, other than demonstrating dehydration, but later complete blood counts indicated the presence of a leukocytosis and developing anemia. Initial serum chemistries revealed severe azotemia and phosphatemia, which was only transiently responsive to fluid therapy. Fluids, antibiotics and other supportive therapy were administered intermittently over the following 19 days, prior to the walrus's death. Significant gross necropsy findings included pronounced pulmonary congestion, enlarged, hemorrhagic lymph nodes, marked left ventricular hypertrophy, and thinning of the right ventricular wall. The uterine wall was markedly thickened and the adrenal glands were thickened, irregularly shaped, with undulating cortices. The kidneys were soft, congested and a 6 cm in diameter suppurative, nodular mass was present within the right renal cortex. Hematuria and bacteriuria were present at necropsy. Preliminary histopathological findings included chronic, severe myocardial degeneration, generalized lymphoid depletion, chronic glomerulonephritis, and multi-organ mineralization.