Mycotic dermatitis in an Atlantic white-sided dolphin, a pygmy sperm whale, and two harbor seals
Frasca, S.; Dunn, J.L.; Cooke, J.C.; Buck, J.D.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 208(5): 727-729
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 8617632 Document Number: 464874
An Atlantic white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus), a pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps), 2 harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) developed raised, firm, erythematous, cutaneous nodules that were most prominent on their heads, trunks, and on the caudal portions of their bodies. Prior to the onset of the condition, all 4 animals may have been stressed by factors such as being stranded on a beach, being transported long distances, or being relocated locally. Microbial culturing of the lesions on multiple media yielded fungal isolates containing conidia characteristic of Fusarium spp. Hyphae consistent with those of an ascomycete were evident on histologic examination of lesions. In each treated animal, the dermatitis resolved 3 to 4 weeks after completing treatment with ketoconazole. Fusarium spp may be opportunistic invaders of the skin of marine mammals that have decreased immunocompetence or integumentary compromise.