Colitz Carmen M H, Saville William J A, Renner Michael S, McBain James F, Reidarson Thomas H, Schmitt Todd L, Nolan Elizabeth C, Dugan Steven J, Knightly Felicia, Rodriguez Maya M, Mejia-Fava Johanna C, Osborn Steven D, Clough Patricia L, Collins Scott P, Osborn Beverly A, Terrell Kimberly
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2010 Aug 15;237(4):429-36. doi: 10.2460/javma.237.4.429.
To determine risk factors for lens luxation and cataracts in captive pinnipeds in the United States and the Bahamas.
Cross-sectional study.
111 pinnipeds (99 California sea lions [Zalophus californianus], 10 harbor seals [Phoca vitulina], and 2 walruses [Odobenus rosmarus]) from 9 facilities.
Eyes of each pinniped were examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist for the presence of cataracts or lens luxations and photographed. Information detailing husbandry practices, history, and facilities was collected with a questionnaire, and descriptive statistical analyses were performed for continuous and categorical variables. Odds ratios and associated 95% confidence intervals were estimated from the final model.
Risk factors for lens luxation, cataracts, or both included age >or= 15 years, history of fighting, history of ocular disease, and insufficient access to shade.
Diseases of the lens commonly affect captive pinnipeds. Access to UV-protective shade, early identification and medical management of ocular diseases, and prevention of fighting can limit the frequency or severity of lens-related disease in this population. An extended life span may result from captivity, but this also allows development of pathological changes associated with aging, including cataracts.
