Abstract

A 9 year old male Atlantic bottlenose dolphin presented with a three day history of lethargy and failure to perform voluntary behaviors. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry results revealed a leukocytosis, low ALP, and low serum iron. Physical examination revealed a 4 cm circular swelling at the right pre-anal gland pore. The swelling was warm and erythematous, with multifocal pinpoint ulcerations on the epidermis. An abscess of the pre-anal gland was diagnosed using cytology, culture, and ultrasound. Ultrasound of the gland revealed a well-circumscribed, solitary lesion measuring 2.2 x 2.3 cm with mixed echogenicity consisting of hypoechoic pockets surrounding a hypoechoic center. Multiple species of bacteria were isolated from the abscess however no definitive etiologic agent was determined. Treatment included systemic oral antibiotic and antifungal therapy along with frequent lavage and warm compress of the gland. Treatment was successful and the abscess resolved.

The pre-anal glands are active, functional, cutaneous, exocrine glands that are well developed in males and are not found in females. (Pilleri) These glands could be a potential source of important chemical signals between animals. Two asymmetrically aligned pores are located caudal to the genital slit and cranial to the anus (Tarpley, personal communication). The pre-anal gland should be considered as a source of systemic inflammation and abnormal clinical signs and should be evaluated during the physical examination.

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Drs. Sam Ridgway, Cynthia Smith, Betsy Lutmerding, Forrest Gomez, Carolina LeBert, Raymond Tarpley and the animal care staff.

*Presenting author

Literature Cited

1.  G.Pilleri. 1973. Investigations on Cetacea. Berne Switzerland. P.223

2.  Venn-Watson S, Jensen ED, Ridgway SH. Effects of age and sex on clinicopathologic ranges in a healthy managed Atlantic bottlenose dolphin population. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2007;4:596–601.