Abstract

A stranded yearling female harbor seal was admitted to the SeaWorld San Diego Rescue and Rehabilitation facility in poor body condition. Bilateral mature cataracts in association with vitreal herniation within both anterior chambers were noted during ophthalmic examination. Routine electroretinography & ocular ultrasound were normal. Routine anesthesia using propofol (4 mg/kg IV) induction followed by maintenance anesthesia with sevoflurane and encompassing neuromuscular blockade (atracurium; 70 µg/kg IV) were used to facilitate single-port aphakic phacoemulsification and limited anterior vitrectomy without complication. Anti-inflammatory (dexamethasone) & miotic (carbachol) agents were instilled intraoperatively and post-operative anti-inflammatory (dexamethasone; 0.1 mg/kg PO SID) and anti-microbial (enrofloxacin; 3 mg/kg PO BID) therapy was administered. Post-operative recovery & healing were uneventful. Vision testing indicated a return to functional vision during subsequent examinations. The seal was deemed releasable based on her ability to catch live fish in three different environments and in the presence of other animals. The harbor seal was subsequently fitted with an Argos satellite tag and returned to the wild. Over three months of post-release tracking data indicate typical movements and foraging patterns. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of this combined procedure followed by re-release in a pinniped.

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the Animal Care department at SeaWorld San Diego with their technical assistance in this care.

* Presenting author