Conditions in grey seal pops (Halichoerus grypus) presented for rehabilitation

A survey was carried out an the condition of 188 live grey seal (Halichoeru s grypus) pups presented for rehabilitation from the coasts of south-west E ngland between 1992 and 1998. The survey was carried out to assess the inci dence of malnutrition, hyperthermia, respiratory and gastrointestinal condi tions, and also the incidence of traumatic, skin, oral and ocular lesions. Malnutrition was a common finding in pups approaching weaning (mid-moult pu ps) and those at the point of weaning or postweaning (moulted pups) (62 per cent and 82 per cent, respectively). Separation from the dam, believed to be the main cause of malnutrition in grey seals, was encountered frequently in unweaned pups (91 per cent). Thirty-nine per cent of pups presented wit h a respiratory condition. 38 per cent with hyperthermia and 9 per cent wit h diarrhoea. Seven per cent and 14 per cent of pups had confirmed respirato ry and gastrointestinal parasitic infestations respectively, although these were probably underestimates. Clinically significant traumatic lesions wer e seen in 41 per cent, oral ulceration in 26 per cent ocular conditions in 13 per cent, nail bed infections in 13 per cent and oiling in 10 per cent o f pups. Umbilical infections and other skin and oral conditions were also e ncountered. The incidence of these conditions is compared with data from de ad grey seals, and clinical conditions in other pinniped species presented for rehabilitation.