Abstract

A three-year old, ~75 kg, captive born male Pacific harbor seal presented with acute anorexia of two days duration. Initial diagnostics revealed a leukopenia (2100 K/µL) with a degenerative left shift and atypical lymphocytes. Serum chemistries were unremarkable aside from mild hyperglycemia and hyperphosphatemia. Immediate therapy included amikacin (10 mg/kg IM), ceftiofur (6.6 mg/kg SQ), and subcutaneous fluid administration.

Over the following week, hematology revealed a progressive leukocytosis and non-regenerative anemia. Anorexia persisted which prompted nutritional support via assist-feeding. Additional clinical signs began to develop including malodorous diarrhea and flatulence which later progressed to regurgitation and tenesmus. At that time, the animal was anesthetized via mask induction with isoflurane for further diagnostics. Abdominal radiographs showed a large portion of gas-dilated intestine as well as decreased caudal abdominal detail. An exploratory laparotomy was performed which revealed an ileocecocolic intussusception with proximal intestinal compromise due to ischemia and gas dilation. Euthanasia was elected intra-operatively due to poor prognosis. No underlying etiologic concerns were determined on post-mortem histopathology or microbiology.

Intestinal conditions such as intussusceptions are uncommon in pinnipeds but should be considered with nebulous gastrointestinal disease unresponsive to supportive care. Early intervention may improve the likelihood of success with managing these cases.