title: Risk factors associated with cataracts and lens luxations in captive pinnipeds in the United States and the Bahamas.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. ccolitz@gmail.com
authors: Carmen M H
authors: CM
authors: Colitz
authors: William J A
authors: WJ
authors: Saville
authors: Michael S
authors: MS
authors: Renner
authors: James F
authors: JF
authors: McBain
authors: Thomas H
authors: TH
authors: Reidarson
authors: Todd L
authors: TL
authors: Schmitt
authors: Elizabeth C
authors: EC
authors: Nolan
authors: Steven J
authors: SJ
authors: Dugan
authors: Felicia
authors: F
authors: Knightly
authors: Maya M
authors: MM
authors: Rodriguez
authors: Johanna C
authors: JC
authors: Mejia-Fava
authors: Steven D
authors: SD
authors: Osborn
authors: Patricia L
authors: PL
authors: Clough
authors: Scott P
authors: SP
authors: Collins
authors: Beverly A
authors: BA
authors: Osborn
authors: Kimberly
authors: K
authors: Terrell
mesh_terms: 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