Croft Lara A, Laughlin Robert, Manley Mercy, Nollens Hendrik H
SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando, FL 32821, USA.
Dis Aquat Organ. 2020 Apr 30;139:69-79. doi: 10.3354/dao03472.
Dolphin tattoo lesions are superficial non-raised skin lesions caused by poxviruses. Their presentation can vary but typical lesions in bottlenose dolphins are circular to ovoid with concentric rings of black stippling. These lesions have at times been suggested as an indicator of overall dolphin health and welfare. This study explored the effect of water temperature on the extent of tattoo lesions in 25 dolphins, along with established hematological health parameters and food consumption. Study animals consisted of 9 males and 16 females with dolphin tattoo lesions ranging in age from 2 to 45 yr. A significant decrease (p < 0.01) in extent and appearance of tattoo lesions was documented following increase in water temperature from 21-24°C (70-75°F) to 25.5-26.5°C (78-80°F). Reduction in tattoo lesions could be noted as early as 2-3 wk following water temperature increase. Marked reduction to complete resolution of tattoo lesions was reproducibly seen 5-6 wk post temperature increase. Food consumption following temperature increase was variable: decrease in intake was noted in 48% of dolphins, increase in intake in 52%. Routine blood parameters (complete blood count, serum chemistry panel, fibrinogen, erythrocyte sedimentation rate) remained within normal limits. A significant increase (p < 0.05) in extent and appearance of tattoo lesions was documented in 3 dolphins as early as 4-5 wk following a decrease in water temperature from 26.1°C (79°F) to 21°C (70°F). Water temperature is a key environmental parameter affecting cetacean pox ('tattoo') lesions in bottlenose dolphins. The absence of changes in hematological parameters along with lack of correlation between extent of pox lesions and food intake indicates that dolphin tattoo lesions are not an appropriate indicator of overall health.
海豚纹身病变是由痘病毒引起的浅表性非隆起性皮肤病变。其表现可能各不相同，但宽吻海豚的典型病变呈圆形至卵形，带有黑色点状的同心环。这些病变有时被认为是海豚整体健康和福利的一个指标。本研究探讨了水温对25只海豚纹身病变范围的影响，以及既定的血液健康参数和食物消耗情况。研究动物包括9只雄性和16只雌性，有海豚纹身病变，年龄在2至45岁之间。记录到，水温从21 - 24°C（70 - 75°F）升高到25.5 - 26.5°C（78 - 80°F）后，纹身病变的范围和外观显著减少（p < 0.01）。水温升高后最早在2 - 3周就能注意到纹身病变减少。在水温升高后5 - 6周可反复看到纹身病变明显减少至完全消退。水温升高后的食物消耗情况各不相同：48%的海豚摄入量减少，52%摄入量增加。常规血液参数（全血细胞计数、血清化学指标、纤维蛋白原、红细胞沉降率）仍在正常范围内。在3只海豚中，水温从26.1°C（79°F）降至21°C（70°F）后最早在4 - 5周就记录到纹身病变的范围和外观显著增加（p < 0.05）。水温是影响宽吻海豚鲸痘（“纹身”）病变的关键环境参数。血液学参数没有变化，痘病变范围与食物摄入量之间也缺乏相关性表明，海豚纹身病变不是整体健康的合适指标。
