Viruses also account for many of the cases treated at The Center.
Just as in humans, viral disease is usually managed with supportive
care, giving the animal's immune system the opportunity to overcome
the virus.
Herpesvirus
A herpesvirus seen in harbor seal pups can cause necrosis
of the adrenal gland resulting in severe electrolyte abnormalities
that can result in death. It appears that clinical disease
may be associated with stress and immunocompromise in harbor
seal pups. Minimizing handling, proper nutrition, and careful
medical management can decrease the incidence of clinical
disease in harbor seals undergoing rehabilitation.
San Miguel Sea Lion Virus
San Miguel sea lion virus (SMSV), a calicivirus, occurs only
in California sea lions, and appears as vesicular lesions
or blisters usually starting on the front edge of the front
and rear flippers. The blisters may rupture to cause skin
ulcerations. Usually, the condition is self-limiting and heals
within several weeks. However, secondary bacterial infections
may result in serve sloughing of epithelium that may expose
the bone of flipper digits. Aggressive wound management and
antibiotics are necessary to treat these complicated infections.
Seal Pox
The pox virus lesions frequently appear within several weeks
or months of rescue. The eruptions, usually not larger than
two cm wide and one cm high, are hard lumps and appear predominantly
around the head, neck, and flippers, but not exclusively.
As with SMSV, if uncomplicated, seal pox is usually self-limiting
and heals within weeks. Seal pox and SMSV are opportunistic,
often affecting animals that have other illnesses, injuries,
or are under stress. Seal pox has been seen in harbor seals,
elephant seals and California sea lions at The Center.
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Viruses