Diagnosis and treatment of Sarcocystis neurona in a captive harbor seal (Phoca vitulina)

A captive harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) presented with partial anorexia, ataxia, and head bobbing, which progressed to complete anorexia, lethargy, and persistent whole-body intention tremors within several days. Response to treatment with ponazuril, serology, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis support...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of zoo and wildlife medicine Vol. 39; no. 2; p. 228
Main Authors Mylniczenko, Natalie D, Kearns, Karen S, Melli, Ann C
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.06.2008
Subjects
Animals
Antibodies, Protozoan - blood
Central Nervous System - pathology
Coccidiostats - therapeutic use
Phoca - parasitology
Sarcocystis - immunology
Sarcocystis - isolation & purification
Sarcocystosis - diagnosis
Sarcocystosis - drug therapy
Sarcocystosis - veterinary
Treatment Outcome
Triazines - therapeutic use
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Summary:A captive harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) presented with partial anorexia, ataxia, and head bobbing, which progressed to complete anorexia, lethargy, and persistent whole-body intention tremors within several days. Response to treatment with ponazuril, serology, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis supported a diagnosis of Sarcocystis neurona. Analysis of serum levels for ponazuril indicated that therapeutic levels could be achieved at a dosage of 5 mg/kg p.o. s.i.d., whereas clinical response was improved at a dosage of 10 mg/kg. Several months after initiation of antiprotozoal therapy, the neurologic signs resolved, although rare intermittent tremors were seen with significant exertion.
ISSN:1042-7260
DOI:10.1638/2007-0141R.1