Risk factors associated with cataracts and lens luxations in captive pinnipeds in the United States and the Bahamas.
OBJECTIVE
To determine risk factors for lens luxation and cataracts in captive pinnipeds in the United States and the Bahamas.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
111 pinnipeds (99 California sea lions [Zalophus californianus], 10 harbor seals [Phoca vitulina], and 2 walruses [Odobenus rosmarus]) from 9 facilities.


METHODS
Eyes of each pinniped were examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist for the presence of cataracts or lens luxations and photographed. Information detailing husbandry practices, history, and facilities was collected with a questionnaire, and descriptive statistical analyses were performed for continuous and categorical variables. Odds ratios and associated 95% confidence intervals were estimated from the final model.


RESULTS
Risk factors for lens luxation, cataracts, or both included age >or= 15 years, history of fighting, history of ocular disease, and insufficient access to shade.


CONCLUSIONS
Diseases of the lens commonly affect captive pinnipeds. Access to UV-protective shade, early identification and medical management of ocular diseases, and prevention of fighting can limit the frequency or severity of lens-related disease in this population. An extended life span may result from captivity, but this also allows development of pathological changes associated with aging, including cataracts.
Colitz
Carmen M H
CM
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. ccolitz@gmail.com
Saville
William J A
WJ
Renner
Michael S
MS
McBain
James F
JF
Reidarson
Thomas H
TH
Schmitt
Todd L
TL
Nolan
Elizabeth C
EC
Dugan
Steven J
SJ
Knightly
Felicia
F
Rodriguez
Maya M
MM
Mejia-Fava
Johanna C
JC
Osborn
Steven D
SD
Clough
Patricia L
PL
Collins
Scott P
SP
Osborn
Beverly A
BA
Terrell
Kimberly
K
D000818:Animals; D001444:Bahamas / Q000453:epidemiology; D010872:Caniformia; D002386:Cataract / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005124:Eye Abnormalities / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D006799:Housing, Animal; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology