Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dolphin with hepatitis B-like infection showing lethargy and jaundice
By Bossart, G D et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1990·Miami Seaquarium·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Hepatitis B-like infection in a Pacific white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens).
- Species:
- wildlife
Abstract
A Pacific white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) developed clinical signs, serum biochemical values, and serologic viral markers consistent with chronic persistent hepatitis caused by a hepatitis B-like virus. The hepatitis had a sporadic cyclical pattern of lethargy, inappetance, and icterus, with leukocytosis and increased serum activities of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase. The serum from this dolphin contained hepatitis B virus core antibodies, hepatitis B surface antibodies, and hepatitis B viral DNA. Supportive treatment consisted of administration of antibiotics, cimetidine, menadiol sodium diphosphate, and vitamin/dextrose supplementation. A clinically normal killer whale (Orcinus orca) housed in the same pool had serum hepatitis B surface antibodies, suggesting immunologic responsiveness and that this disease was not species-specific.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2295547/