CLINICAL CHALLENGE: SYSTEMIC RHIZOPUS MICROSPORUS INFECTION WITH RENAL CAVITATION IN A GREY SEAL (HALICHOERUS GRYPUS)

Abstract

A 22-yr-old, intact female grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) (wt: 155 kg) had limited prior medical history other than persistent perionychitis of the right pedal flipper. Four years before the current presentation, this problem had been resolved completely by skeletal amputation of the right pedal digit 3 distal phalanx. During that same year, and progressive over the following 3 yr, the seal developed cataracts and keratopathy including corneal vascularization, pigmentation, and edema. It was elected to perform cataract removal, corneal debridement, and placement of subconjunctival cyclosporine implants (Lux Biosciences Inc., Jersey City, New Jersey 07302, USA; lot# 47614, 0.75 inch). Postoperative treatment (Fig. 1) was initiated with systemic broadspectrum antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and antifungal medications, gastroprotectants, and topical ophthalmic care that included antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. After 6 mo of treatment, no substantial improvement to the seal’s ophthalmic status was noted. The corneal hyperpigmentation OU had recurred and a stromal abscess OD had developed. Additionally, the seal presented with non-