Nakamura Misato, Matsushiro Marin, Tsunokawa Masatoshi, Maehara Seiya, Kooriyama Takanori
Laboratory of Companion animal behavior and Wildlife ecology, Department of Veterinary Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, 582 Bunkyodai-Midori, Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan.
Otaru Aquarium, 3-303 Shukutsu, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido 047-0047, Japan.
J Vet Med Sci. 2021 Jul 2;83(7):1075-1080. doi: 10.1292/jvms.20-0329. Epub 2021 May 17.
Pinnipeds have evolved enlarged ocular bulbs to catch fish in the dark. However, their large protruding eyes are easily damaged, which increases the risk of blindness and death in these animals. In captivity, ophthalmic disorders, manifested as keratitis and cataracts, are common among pinnipeds. In this study, we investigated symptoms of ophthalmic disorders in pinniped species using a questionnaire distributed to 32 zoos and aquariums throughout Japan. We conducted this study in cooperation with the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The survey included 295 pinnipeds from four otariid species, five phocid species, and one odobenid species. Of these, 43.1% of the pinnipeds had diseases affecting the lens, cornea, and/or other eye parts. Age was positively associated with lens disorders in California sea lions, South American sea lions, and spotted seals. Conflicts and public appearances were also associated with corneal and/or lens disorders in California sea lions. Treatments were evaluated as effective for corneal disorders and conjunctivitis. The results of this study indicate that ophthalmic disorders in pinnipeds are related to the conditions of their captive environment. Aquariums and zoos should be encouraged to share information regarding optimal maintenance practices to improve the living conditions of pinnipeds.
鳍足类动物进化出了增大的眼球以在黑暗中捕鱼。然而，它们突出的大眼睛很容易受损，这增加了这些动物失明和死亡的风险。在圈养环境中，表现为角膜炎和白内障的眼科疾病在鳍足类动物中很常见。在这项研究中，我们通过向日本各地的32家动物园和水族馆发放问卷，调查了鳍足类物种的眼科疾病症状。我们与日本动物园和水族馆协会合作开展了这项研究。调查对象包括来自4种海狗科物种、5种海豹科物种和1种海象科物种的295只鳍足类动物。其中，43.1%的鳍足类动物患有影响晶状体、角膜和/或其他眼部的疾病。在加利福尼亚海狮、南美海狮和斑海豹中，年龄与晶状体疾病呈正相关。在加利福尼亚海狮中，冲突和公开露面也与角膜和/或晶状体疾病有关。治疗对角膜疾病和结膜炎被评估为有效。这项研究的结果表明，鳍足类动物的眼科疾病与它们的圈养环境条件有关。应鼓励水族馆和动物园分享有关最佳饲养管理方法的信息，以改善鳍足类动物的生活条件。
