Causes of mortality in a population of marine-foraging river otters (Lontra canadensis)

Joseph K. Gaydos, Martha A. Delaney, Stephen Raverty

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Retrospective analysis of diagnostic findings from 30 marine-foraging river otter (Lontra canadensis) carcasses opportunistically acquired between 2003 and 2013 revealed trauma as the most common cause of mortality (47%). Within this focal population, causes of trauma included vehicular, gunshot, and one case of suspect intraspecific aggression. Other causes of death included idiopathic (20%), infectious (13%), metabolic (10%), nutritional (7%), and neoplasia (3%). One case of neoplasia, a pancreatic islet cell adenoma, was identified in a 12-yrold female. In six animals, diffuse renal interstitial fibrosis and multifocal glomerulosclerosis of unknown clinical significance were noted.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)941-946
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of wildlife diseases
Volume56
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2020

Keywords

  • Coastal
  • Lontra canadensis
  • Marine
  • Mortality
  • Neoplasia
  • Renal disease
  • River otter
  • Trauma

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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