Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cutaneous infections are important diseases in captive and free-ranging pinnipeds and are associated with various causative agents. Some special agents, such as fungi, morbillivirus and mycobacteria, can cause cutaneous specific granulomatous inflammation. OBJECTIVES: To identity the cause of chronic dermatitis in a spotted seal in an aquarium. METHODS: Herein, we analyze the clinical history and cutaneous samples of the spotted seal through differential diagnosis (histopathology, microorganism culture, special histochemical staining methods, PCR), and antibiotic susceptibility test. RESULTS: This is a rare pyogranulomatous dermatitis case caused by E. faecalis in a captive adult male spotted seal (Phoca largha) in an aquarium. CONCLUSIONS: We provide a meaningful approach to the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial dermatitis in pinnipeds.