Candidiasis in captive pinnipeds.

Diagnosis, treatment, and possible pathogenesis of candidiasis were studied in 5 species of pinnipeds in captivity: gray seal (Halichoerus grypus), harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus), California sea lion (Zalophus californianus), and northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris). The animals were kept outdoors in a freshwater exhibit. Candidiasis was characterized by purulent nasal discharge, inflammation of the lips at the mucocutaneous junction, periocular alopecia, vaginitis, and dermatitis. Administration of ketoconazole at dosages of 5 mg/kg BID and 10 mg/kg SID controlled the disease. Wild gulls were suspected as vectors of Candida albicans.