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Intraperitoneal implantation of life-long telemetry transmitters in otariids

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Title Intraperitoneal implantation of life-long telemetry transmitters in otariids
Names Horning, Markus (creator)
Haulena, Martin (creator)
Tuomi, Pamela A (creator)
Mellish, Jo-Ann E. (creator)
Date Issued 2008-12-10 (iso8601)
Note This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by BioMed Central Ltd. and can be found at: http://www.biomedcentral.com/bmcvetres/.
Abstract Background: Pinnipeds, including many endangered and declining species, are inaccessible and
difficult to monitor for extended periods using externally attached telemetry devices that are shed
during the annual molt. Archival satellite transmitters were implanted intraperitoneally into four
rehabilitated California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and 15 wild juvenile Steller sea lions
(Eumetopias jubatus) to determine the viability of this surgical technique for the deployment of long-term
telemetry devices in otariids. The life history transmitters record information throughout the
life of the host and transmit data to orbiting satellites after extrusion following death of the host.
Results: Surgeries were performed under isoflurane anesthesia and single (n = 4) or dual (n = 15)
transmitters were inserted into the ventrocaudal abdominal cavity via an 8.5 to 12 cm incision along
the ventral midline between the umbilicus and pubic symphysis or preputial opening. Surgeries
lasted 90 minutes (SD = 8) for the 19 sea lions. All animals recovered well and were released into
the wild after extended monitoring periods from 27 to 69 days at two captive animal facilities.
Minimum post-implant survival was determined via post-release tracking using externally attached
satellite transmitters or via opportunistic re-sighting for mean durations of 73.7 days (SE = 9.0, Z.
californianus) and 223.6 days (SE = 71.5, E. jubatus).
Conclusion: The low morbidity and zero mortality encountered during captive observation and
post-release tracking periods confirm the viability of this surgical technique for the implantation of
long-term telemetry devices in otariids.
Genre Article
Access Condition http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/us/
Identifier Horning, M., Haulena, M., Tuomi, P. A., & Mellish, J. E. (2008). Intraperitoneal implantation of life-long telemetry transmitters in otariids. BMC Veterinary Research, 4(1), 51-51. doi: 10.1186/1746-6148-4-51

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