Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
California sea lions with vomiting and diarrhea due to parasite
By Chiu ES et al.·2025·Department of Pathology, United States·View original on Europe PMC →
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Original publication title: Clinicopathologic, molecular, and ultrastructural features of <i>Sarcocystis pinnipedi</i> infection in 2 California sea lions with fatal necrotizing hepatitis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Two California sea lions were brought in after showing signs of not eating, vomiting, diarrhea, and extreme tiredness for about eight days. Sadly, both sea lions passed away, and a postmortem exam revealed severe liver damage and jaundice. Tests showed they were infected with a parasite called Sarcocystis pinnipedi, which is known to cause serious liver issues in marine mammals. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for this type of infection, and it can be fatal.
People also search for: California sea lion vomiting · sea lion liver disease · Sarcocystis infection in marine animals
Abstract
<i>Sarcocystis pinnipedi</i> is an apicomplexan protozoal parasite that was first recognized during a mass mortality event in juvenile grey seals (<i>Halichoerus grypus</i>) in the northwest Atlantic Ocean. Since its identification, this parasite has been reported in various pinniped species and has been associated with fatal necrotizing hepatitis. Little is known of the host range of <i>S. pinnipedi</i>. Here we report 2 cases of California sea lions (<i>Zalophus californianus</i>) in managed care that died following an 8-d history of inappetence, vomiting, diarrhea, and progressive lethargy with elevated hepatic enzyme activities. Postmortem examination identified hepatitis and icterus. <i>Sarcocystis</i> schizonts and zoites were identified in regions of necrosis. Molecular and ultrastructural findings demonstrated the close relatedness of this <i>Sarcocystis</i> to <i>S. canis</i>, which produces a similar lesion in bears.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/39979801