Spondylitis in a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) from the southeast Pacific

Diseases of Aquatic Organisms

Fernando Félix¹  Windsor E. Aguirre¹  Ben Haase¹ 

关键词: Spondylitis;    Humpback whale;    Ecuador;   

DOI  :  10.3354/dao075259

学科分类：生物科学（综合）

来源: Inter-Research

【 摘 要 】

ABSTRACT: A 7.25 m long male humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) with spondylitis was found beached on August 13, 1994 at Ancon, Ecuador (2°23’S, 80°47’W). The condition involved at least 11 vertebrae, 7 lumbar (L4 to L11) and 4 caudal (Ca1 to Ca4). Partial fusion of vertebrae was observed as a result of intervertebral bony proliferation, likely impeding full motion. The relatively young age of this specimen and the severity of the deformities suggest an infectious, rather than degenerative, process. The gross findings are most consistent with some type of spondyloarthritis. Although this condition has previously been identified in a number of cetacean species, the pathogenesis, population impact and ecologic implications have not been fully assessed. This is the third case described for humpback whales and the first for a humpback whale from the SE Pacific.

【 授权许可】

Unknown