Use of laser rhinoscopy to treat a nasal obstruction in a captive California sea lion (Zalophus californianus).

摘要: Laser rhinoscopy was used to treat a nasal obstruction in captive California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). The rehabilitated, adult, female developed mucopurulent, intermittent, bilateral discharge and functional 20 mo after acquisition by the Aquarium of Pacific Long Beach, California. A 3-mm-thick soft tissue structure spanning region between hard palates, deviated septum, several nasopharyngeal polyps were identified. Biopsies cultures obstructive web showed ulcerative granulation with suppurative inflammation, bacterial infection, partial section an arthropod larva (not speciated). performed relieve caudal ablate polyps. appeared breathe through nares lessened for period 6 wk laser therapy, but within 8 mucopurulent returned, had reformed, euthanized. Postmortem examination confirmed antemortem diagnoses secondary inflammatory tissue; however, no additional sections parasites located microscopically.