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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Skeletal abnormalities in humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae stranded in the Brazilian breeding ground

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Author(s):
Groch, Katia R. [1, 2] ; Marcondes, Milton C. C. [1] ; Colosio, Adriana C. [1] ; Catao-Dias, Jose Luiz [2]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Inst Baleia Jubarte, BR-45900000 Caravelas, BA - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Lab Patol Comparada Anim Selvagens, Dept Patol, Fac Med Vet & Zootecnia, BR-05508270 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS; v. 101, n. 2, p. 145-158, NOV 8 2012.
Web of Science Citations: 15
Abstract

Skeletal tissues of 49 humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae that stranded between 2002 and 2011 along the Abrolhos Bank seashore and its adjacent waters in Brazil were studied. Twelve (24.5%) animals presented pathological changes in one or more bones. Degenerative changes and developmental malformations were most frequent (10.2% each), followed by inflammatory/infectious and traumatic lesions (8.2% each). Infectious diseases led to severe lesions of the caudal vertebrae of 2 whales. In one of these individuals, the lesions involved 6 caudal vertebrae, leading to ankylosis of 3 vertebrae. Degenerative changes were observed in the vertebral columns of 3 animals, involving the joints of 13 ribs of 1 individual, and in the humerus of 1 whale. Traumatic lesions, such as osseous callus in the ribs, were observed in 4 animals. In 1 whale, the rib showed severe osteomyelitis, possibly resulting from the infection of multiple fractures. Developmental abnormalities such as spina bifida on 3 cervical vertebrae of 1 whale, fusion of spinal processes on thoracic vertebrae of 1 individual and fusion of the first 2 ribs unilaterally or bilaterally in 4 animals were found. Chronic infectious conditions found in the axial skeleton may have restrained spinal mobility and had detrimental effects on the general health of the animals, contributing to stranding and death. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic study on skeletal lesions in stranded humpback whales. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/00021-5 - Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation of health aspects of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) with emphasis on the research of Morbillivirus sp
Grantee:Kátia Regina Groch
Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
FAPESP's process: 11/08357-0 - Analysis of health aspects of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in southeastern and northeastern Brazilian coast, with special emphasis on anthropogenic interactions
Grantee:Jose Luiz Catao Dias
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants