Abstract

A neutered 130 kg male, 20-year-old California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) had shown signs of pain in his left upper limb for the last 17 years. Acute pain management with NSAIDs (meloxicam or carprofen) and joint support prescription brought no significant improvement.

Habitat modifications, weight control, and gabapentin (5 mg BID PO for 6 days and then increasing to 10 mg BID PO) were introduced as part of the rehabilitation plan. The animal improved significantly, allowing us to perform radiographs voluntarily, which revealed severe joint disease (bone remodelling, osteophytes, sclerosis of subchondral bone, and multiple cartilage micro damages) in his left elbow, compatible with degenerative joint disease (DJD). Following this diagnosis, a physiotherapy plan was implemented, combining light to moderate hydrotherapy with dietary changes (increase of EPA and other omega fatty acids).

In order to decrease the inflammatory factors and restrict the degenerative process, we performed an innovative technique: a periarticular gold bead implantation in the affected joint, associated with ozone therapy during general anaesthesia.

Postsurgical examination revealed an increment of the joint function (less lameness and better posture) and absence of inflammatory signs, which could be explained by the possible pain relief.

In a six-month follow-up exam, the animal showed great improvement of quality of life, had acquired muscular mass, locomotion/swimming were also improved and there were no recorded episodes of pain. The radiographic evaluation confirmed the findings of the physical exam, showing a significant decrease of the inflammatory and degenerative signs, proven by the regression of diffuse osteosclerosis and osteophytes reabsorption.

The combined use of ozone therapy and periarticular gold implants as an alternative treatment in this case resulted in a successful treatment of pain, avoiding more invasive techniques (surgical correction by arthroscopy/arthrotomy) and a harder postsurgical recovery.

As far as the authors are aware, this is the first report of ozone therapy and gold bead implantation in chronic joint disease management in California sea lions.

* Presenting author