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Published on: September 27, 2020
Renal lesions in cetaceans from Brazil
O Gonzales-Viera1, V Ruoppolo2, J Marigo3
1Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens (LAPCOM), Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
A 16-year study of Brazilian cetaceans found that 64% of examined kidneys had lesions, with cystic renal disease being most common. These findings highlight kidney disease prevalence in marine mammals.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Marine Mammal Science
- Nephrology
Background:
- Cetaceans are vital indicators of marine ecosystem health.
- Understanding renal pathology in marine mammals is crucial for conservation efforts.
- Previous studies on Brazilian cetacean kidney disease are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and types of renal lesions in cetaceans stranded along the Brazilian coast.
- To characterize the histopathological findings in cetacean kidneys.
- To compare renal lesions in cetaceans with those in other mammals.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy examinations were performed on 192 cetaceans stranded between 1996 and 2011.
- Kidney samples underwent gross, microscopic, and immunohistochemical analyses.
- Ultrastructural analysis was used for specific cases.
Main Results:
- A diagnosis was reached in 128 cetaceans; 82 (64.1%) exhibited kidney lesions.
- Cystic renal disease was most prevalent (26.6%), including simple cysts and polycystic kidney disease.
- Other significant lesions included glomerulonephritis (47.5% combined), interstitial nephritis (16.4%), and lipidosis (14.8%).
- Pyogranulomatous nephritis was observed in five cases, two linked to nematode larvae. A tubular adenoma was found in one Franciscana dolphin.
Conclusions:
- Renal lesions are common in Brazilian cetaceans, with cystic diseases and glomerulonephritis being particularly frequent.
- The findings provide baseline data for cetacean kidney pathology and disease surveillance.
- Further research is needed to understand the etiological factors and long-term impacts of these renal conditions on cetacean populations.
