Rehabilitation of a Northern Elephant Seal Pup (Mirounga angustirostris) with Kyphosis

Lauren Mulreany

doi:10.53607/wrb.v35.31

Authors

Lauren Mulreany, DVM Candidate California Wildlife Center

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53607/wrb.v35.31

Keywords:

Marine mammal, Northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris), kyphosis, thoracic vertebrae, Cobb angle

Abstract

A juvenile Northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) with kyphosis was rehabilitated and released. Radiographs revealed a divergence of the thoracic vertebrae by an angle of 66.72 degrees. The pup was treated with supportive care and released back into the wild. Diagnostic techniques of marine mammal skeletal abnormalities and their rehabilitation are discussed.

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Author Biography

Lauren Mulreany, DVM Candidate, California Wildlife Center

Ms. Mulreany currently is a DVM candidate at the Virginia–Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. She has a particular interest in avian medicine and conservation research.

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