Multicentric Neurofibromatosis With Rectal Prolapse in a California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)

Abstract

An approximately 31-yr-old California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) with a history of chronic visual impairment and corneal disease presented with slow onset, progressive neurologic deficits. Treatment for rear flipper paresis was not effective and the animal was euthanatized. Histopathologic findings included hepatocellular and biliary neoplasia, ocular amyloidosis, adrenal adenoma and pheochromocytoma, and spinal cord changes consistent with multicentric neurofibromatosis. This is the first documentation of these conditions in a California sea lion.

Cancer Prevalence and Etiology in Wild and Captive Animals

“…Common box turtle Adenocarcinoma Mader (1996) Testudo graeca Spur-thighed tortoise Adenoma Mader (1996) Testudo hermanni Hermann's tortoise Lymphoma, neurilemmoma Mader (1996) Testudo horsfieldii Afghan tortoise Fibroma, fibroadenoma Mader (1996) Thamnophis sauritus Ribbon snake Lipoma Dietz et al (2016) (2006); Rush et al (2012) a We tried to provide a comprehensive list of examples of neoplasia in wild and captive animals, but understandably the list cannot be complete due to limited space. Review articles were used primarily due to restricted space for citations.…”

Clinical signs and mortality of non‐released stranded California sea lions housed in display facilities: the suspected role of prior exposure to algal toxins

“…Therefore, in 75% (6/8) of neonatal cases that died, neurological disease may have been present, although detailed brain evaluation was not performed in all cases. Additionally, as was noted post mortem in five of the neurological cases, acute onset of perimortem seizures or neurological deficits may be secondary to diseases such as metastatic neoplasia, electrolyte disturbances from renal or hepatic dysfunction, or infectious diseases such as protozoal meningoencephalitis 27 28 ; therefore, a definitive link to DA toxicosis in these neonate cases cannot be confirmed due to limited data.…”

“…It is important to note that in six dead cases (including one neurological case and one case of sudden death, nos. 1,2,8,23,26,27), the CNS was not evaluated. One individual (no.…”

“…Such animals can be permanently housed for public display or research. Neurological disorders can impact release suitability and may be secondary to a variety of causes, including biotoxin exposure, meningitis, neoplasia or trauma 27 28 …”

Proliferative changes in the adrenal medulla of aged Chinese native pigs

“…In animals, they develop most often in cattle, dogs and rats. Additionally, they are reported in a wolfdog [ 15 ], a sea lion [ 14 ], a jaguar [ 12 ], a cotton-top tamarin [ 3 ] and new world primates [ 8 ].…”