Virginia Aquarium Harbor Seal Phoca recovers from eye surgery.
Harbor Seal Phoca Sees Results of Surgery
Aug 14, 2009Joan Barns | 757-385-0252 | jmbarns@VirginiaAquarium.com
(VIRGINIA BEACH,VA) – Twenty-one-year-old Phoca, one of the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s five harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), has successfully recovered from eye surgery performed July 9 and he is returning to his “water” routine.
Over the past several months, Phoca’s eye lenses had luxated (detached) as the result of cataracts. Pinnipeds have stunning, large brown eyes which make them more susceptible to health issues especially as they age. Surgery to remove both lenses completely from his eyes was indicated to relieve significant discomfort and regain some of his vision. Without surgery, Phoca would become blind. Harbor seals may live as long as 35 years.
The surgery occurred in the Aquarium’s seal holding area, just behind the Harbor Seal Pool exhibit, where Phoca and his fellow seals, Peter, Piper, Norton, and Hector reside. General anesthesia was required and posed the biggest risk for the procedure. From the results of pre-operative exams and tests, Aquarium Veterinarian Bob George and his staff, and the specialists who performed the surgery and anesthesia, Dr. Carmen M. H. Colitz (DVM, PhD, DACVO), Dr. Eric J. Abrahamsen (DVM, Dipl., ACVA), and Dr. Michael S. Renner (DVM), felt confident that Phoca was a good candidate for the procedure. Post operatively, Phoca received round the clock care for 48 hours. His treatment plan included three weeks out of the water. During this time Aquarium mammal staff provided an intensive therapy of special eye drops administered four times a day to speed his recovery.
Curator of Mammals Chip Harshaw said, “I am very happy to say that not only did Phoca come out of surgery successfully, but he no longer experiences pain. His right eye has regained most, if not all, of his vision. Phoca’s more seriously damaged left eye will take longer to heal, but some vision should be restored as well.”
August 4, Phoca returned to the Harbor Seal Pool and he is back to his “play” routine with the other seals. Harshaw added, “His caretakers have noticed that Phoca appears to be in a much brighter mood and he definitely is more visually aware of his surroundings.”
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.
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