Common Medical Problems Encountered in Pinnipeds Admitted to the California Marine Mammal Center
Laurie J. Gage1, DVM; Debbie Vandenbroek2; Lynn
Amaya1
There have been almost 700 pinnipeds admitted to the California Marine
Mammal Center in the past two years. The majority of animals stranded each year were California
sea lions (Zalophus californianus). Northern elephant seals (Mirounga
angustirostris) and harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) were also commonly admitted.
Northern fur seals, Southern fur seals and Stellar sea lions were less frequently admitted.
In 1983, the majority of animals admitted to California Marine Mammal Center
were heavily parasitized with lungworm pneumonia, the most problem seen that year. In 1984,
Leptospirosis and Calicivirus were commonly seen in California sea lions. Medical problem and
their treatments will be discussed.