Dermatophilus-like infection in beluga whales, Delphinapterus leucas, from the St. Lawrence estuary

Vet Dermatol. 2001 Feb;12(1):59-62. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-3164.2001.00216.x.

Abstract

Six beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) found dead on the shores of the St. Lawrence estuary had multiple slightly depressed greyish round areas randomly distributed over the whole body. Histologically, the surface of these areas was covered with a thick layer of Dermatophilus-like organisms which invaded the stratum corneum. The underlying stratum spinosum had marked spongiosis and vacuolar degeneration. Minimal neutrophilic infiltration was present within the underlying dermal papillae. To the authors' knowledge, dermatophilosis in cetaceans has not been reported previously.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Quebec
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / diagnosis
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / veterinary*
  • Whales*