We are pleased to announce the publication of our new paper describing spinal malformations in the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic humpback dolphins:
Weir, C.R. and Wang, J.Y. (2016). Vertebral column anomalies in Indo-Pacific and Atlantic humpback dolphins Sousa spp. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, 120: 179–187.
More information is available at the DAO website.
Abstract
Conspicuous vertebral column abnormalities in humpback dolphins (genus Sousa) were documented for the first time during three photo-identification field studies of small populations in Taiwan, Senegal and Angola. Seven Taiwanese humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis taiwanensis) with vertebral column anomalies (lordosis, kyphosis or scoliosis) were identified, along with two possible cases of vertebral osteomyelitis. There was evidence from several individuals photographed over consecutive years that the anomalies became more pronounced with age. Three Atlantic humpback dolphins (Sousa teuszii) were observed with axial deviations of the vertebral column (lordosis and kyphosis). Another possible case was identified in a calf and two further animals were photographed with dorsal indents potentially indicative of anomalies. Vertebral column anomalies of humpback dolphins were predominantly evident in the lumbo-caudal region, but one Atlantic humpback dolphin had an anomaly in the cervico-thoracic region. Lordosis and kyphosis occurred simultaneously in several individuals. Apart from the described anomalies, all dolphins appeared in good health and were not obviously underweight or noticeably compromised in swim speed. This study presents the first descriptions of vertebral column anomalies in the genus Sousa. The causative factors for the anomalies were unknown in every case and are potentially diverse. Whether these anomalies result in reduced fitness of individuals or populations merits attention, as both the Taiwanese and Atlantic humpback dolphin are species of high conservation concern.
