A case of pacific white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) with severe suppurative oustachitis, meningitis and signs of endotoxin shock

Abstract

An adult, female, pacific white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) showed fever, anorexia, vomit, hemorrhage at the left ear canal with body tilt to right side. The dolphin progressively got worse and died 2 weeks after the onset of the disease. Pathological examination demonstrated findings of severe suppurative eustachitis and meningitis, as well as signs of endotoxin shock. Based on the clinico-pathological and pathological findings, endotoxin shock resulting from suppurarive eustachitis may be involved in the process of the disease.