Treasa C Deegan, Lindsaye Akhurst, Sarah E Wright, Martin Haulena
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objective: To describe the outcome of megaesophagus in harbor seal pups undergoing rehabilitation from January 2021 to December 2023.
Methods: 5 harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardii) pups, 2 males and 3 females, were included in the study. All 5 cases had no clinical signs associated with megaesophagus on initial presentation to the rehabilitation facility. Case 1 presented with regurgitation, diarrhea, bloating, and poor gain of body mass starting 24 days into rehabilitation. Case 2 presented with regurgitation and bloating on day 12. Case 3 presented with hyporexia, bloating, poor gain of body mass, and regurgitation between days 55 and 60. Case 4 presented with lethargy, diarrhea, and regurgitation starting on day 12 of rehabilitation. Case 5 presented with difficulty gavage feeding 14 days into rehabilitation and regurgitation starting day 28. Radiographs in all 3 cases revealed dilation of the esophagus and gas distention of the stomach and intestines, consistent with megaesophagus. Cases 1, 2, and 3 were treated with 1 mg/kg sildenafil by mouth every 12 hours for 14 days at the time of diagnosis.
Results: Cases 1 and 2 showed improvement in radiographic lesions and resolution of clinical signs after treatment and were released after 1 and 3 months of posttreatment monitoring respectively. None of the clinical signs returned after medications were discontinued. Postrelease survival was monitored in case 2 via a satellite-linked transmitter for 39 days. Case 3 was euthanized due to worsening lethargy, difficulty tube feeding, and continued loss of body mass after 6 days of treatment. Case 4 was euthanized at the time of diagnosis of megaesophagus on radiographs due to dull mentation and declining clinical status, and case 5 died a few hours after diagnosis of megaesophagus on radiographs before sildenafil treatment could be initiated.
Conclusions: Sildenafil successfully managed megaesophagus in 2 of 3 P vitulina richardii juveniles. This case series highlights that sildenafil may be a potential treatment option for megaesophagus in P vitulina richardii pups undergoing rehabilitation.
Clinical relevance: Based on the results of these cases, it is hypothesized that megaesophagus in rehabilitated harbor seals is not always a congenital defect but possibly an iatrogenic condition.
期刊介绍：
The American Journal of Veterinary Research supports the collaborative exchange of information between researchers and clinicians by publishing novel research findings that bridge the gulf between basic research and clinical practice or that help to translate laboratory research and preclinical studies to the development of clinical trials and clinical practice. The journal welcomes submission of high-quality original studies and review articles in a wide range of scientific fields, including anatomy, anesthesiology, animal welfare, behavior, epidemiology, genetics, heredity, infectious disease, molecular biology, oncology, pharmacology, pathogenic mechanisms, physiology, surgery, theriogenology, toxicology, and vaccinology. Species of interest include production animals, companion animals, equids, exotic animals, birds, reptiles, and wild and marine animals. Reports of laboratory animal studies and studies involving the use of animals as experimental models of human diseases are considered only when the study results are of demonstrable benefit to the species used in the research or to another species of veterinary interest. Other fields of interest or animals species are not necessarily excluded from consideration, but such reports must focus on novel research findings. Submitted papers must make an original and substantial contribution to the veterinary medicine knowledge base; preliminary studies are not appropriate.
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