Abstract

Our purpose was to describe the ophthalmologic problems commonly seen in Atlantic and Pacific Tursiops sp. living under human care. Slit lamp evaluation and digital photography were performed on 118 normal and abnormal eyes, n=59 dolphins. The most common problem encountered we describe as "Medial Keratitis." Medial Keratitis commonly had swirling fibrosis, pigmentation, and vascularization entering from the medial limbus and extending into the adjacent cornea. Severe cases extended to the axial cornea. "Band Keratopathy" initially showed varying levels of blepharospasm and a linear horizontal grey to white opacity of variable width. Other common findings included axial fibrosis with or without vascularization. Actively healing traumatic ulcers readily vascularized except in older dolphins. When perforated, some corneas healed and regained sight except in severe cases wherein the entire cornea was sloughed. Though blind, when healed, the eyes were comfortable. With chronic or unresolved corneal ulcers, the axial horizontal lesions would develop surface irregularities and a coppery-green hue. Corneal abscesses were also seen in animals with other systemic diseases. Cataracts were uncommon. Ophthalmologic problems are commonly encountered in captive cetaceans. Proposed causes of corneal issues include trauma, excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation/sunlight, and water quality issues. Cataracts were rare and causes can include genetics, nutrition, aging, and exposure to UV. A large-scale epidemiological analysis is proposed and will identify risk factors for these problems.