Common seals or harbour seals ( Phoca vitulina ) ( Figure 4 ) are generally spottier , with ‘ cat-like ’ faces . Pupping season is June and July , with pups fully moulted at 10 – 11 kg and weaned by 20 – 30 kg , at around 3 – 4 weeks old [ 29 ] .
The population seen across the UK makes up 38 % of their global population . They are often found on rocky shores . Their largest colonies are in Scotland , with smaller colonies around the UK , particularly on the south-west and east coasts of England , and in Northern Ireland and Wales [ 12 ] .
Figure 5 . Demonstration of a seal restraint using a model seal .
Pinniped injuries and illnesses
Figure 4 . Common ( harbour ) seals .
Visiting pinnipeds include the walrus , ringed seal , bearded seal , harp seal and hooded seal , which are occasionally seen along the east coast of the UK [ 12 ] .
Pinniped assessment and handling
PPE should always be worn when interacting with these animals , particularly due to the bacteria they can transmit via a bite [ 30 ] . In one study of injured seals , almost all had large infectious burdens , which ultimately may have led to the animals ' death [ 31 ] . A zoonotic condition known as ‘ seal finger ’ is thought to be caused by Mycoplasma spp . Bites can also transmit Brucella spp . and Salmonella spp ., which can lead to septic arthritis [ 12 ] .
Physical assessment can be completed by approaching the animal from behind , using a towel to restrain it just behind the head , while holding the body between the knees ( Figure 5 ). The animal can be sexed accurately by a second person gently lifting the tail and checking for the presence of a vulva immediately cranial to the anus , or a prepuce equidistant from the umbilicus and anus . While sexing the seal , the second person can check its temperature . At the same time , the restraining person can check the eyes , ears , nose and mouth for discharge and injury , and the limbs for fractures [ 12 ] .
Juvenile seals will often present malnourished , dehydrated and suffering from stress or infections [ 29 ] . If a common seal is found with its white moult coat intact it means the pup has been birthed prematurely and requires close monitoring , as the mother will have insufficient milk to fully wean her pup , and the pup will be unable to forage for itself .
The absence of continually pooled tears around the eyes is a reliable dehydration indicator . The skin of the seal should be taut around the blubber , with minimal rolling of folds , which is particularly obvious behind the head if the BCS is insufficient [ 12 ] . Rehydration fluids can be administered via a feeding tube if transport or rehydration is necessary [ 29 ] .
One study found discharge from the nose in 24 % of seal pups and respiratory disorders in 48 % of seal pups , and found that 50 % of those with nasal disorders also had respiratory disorders , most often due to a lower respiratory infection or nasopharyngeal mites [ 32 ] .
The roof of the mouth must also be checked during the assessment , as recent years have seen increasing numbers of seals with a form of incurable necrosing disease , resulting in the degradation of the hard palate and , ultimately , in the death of the seal . Research is ongoing into the precise cause and mechanism of this condition [ 12 ] .
Phocine distemper virus is a particular concern for seals . In 1988 and 2002 , the disease severely affected the colonies in which it was found [ 33 ] . While the virus itself is not lethal , its disruption of the immune system means secondary infections such as pneumonia are often the cause of death .
34 Veterinary Nursing Journal