Pinnipeds (Seals and Sea Lions)

Chapter 40 Pinnipeds (Seals and Sea Lions) James E. Bailey, James E. BaileySearch for more papers by this authorShawn Johnson, Shawn JohnsonSearch for more papers by this author James E. Bailey, James E. BaileySearch for more papers by this authorShawn Johnson, Shawn JohnsonSearch for more papers by this author Book Editor(s):Gary West DVM, DACZM, Gary West DVM, DACZM Senior Vice-president of Animal Health and Living Collections Arizona Center for Nature Conservation/Phoenix ZooSearch for more papers by this authorDarryl Heard BSc, BVMS, DACZM, PhD, Darryl Heard BSc, BVMS, DACZM, PhD Department of Comparative Diagnostic and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FloridaSearch for more papers by this authorNigel Caulkett DVM, MVetSc, DACVAA, Nigel Caulkett DVM, MVetSc, DACVAA VCA Western Veterinary Specialists, Calgary Adjunct Professor University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary MedicineSearch for more papers by this author First published: 17 January 2025 https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119539278.ch40 AboutPDFPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShareShare a linkShare onEmailFacebookxLinkedInRedditWechat Summary Pinnipeds are a diverse group of aquatic, carnivorous marine mammals that have evolved physically and physiologically to survive and thrive in varied marine environments, often at extremes of temperature, water depth, pressure, and in limited daylight or darkness. Of particular importance to pinniped species is an understanding of the influence of drug choices on breathing and proper ventilatory support. Manual hand ventilation, or controlled mechanical ventilation is the mode of ventilation most often employed for pinnipeds. A voluntary preanesthetic health assessment can provide a general overview of the animal's current health status prior to anesthesia in managed populations where medical behaviors can be cultivated. Behaviors are useful responses taught to pinnipeds by qualified trainers. Tranquilization is the use of pharmacologic agents to promote peace of mind for the subject, such as the anxiolytic effect of the benzodiazepines when delivered alone. Benzodiazepines are very effective in tranquilizing phocids. References Adkesson MJ . 2012 . Reversible immobilization of South American fur seals ( Arctocephalus australis ) and South American sea lions ( Otaria flavescens ) using medetomidine, butorphanol, and midazolam . 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