Abstract: From 1975 to 2005, the Seal Rehabilitation and Research Centre (SRRC) in Pieterburen was confronted with 12 cases of seals that had ingested a fish-hook. During the autopsy on ten seals, perforations were found in the oesophagus, stomach, and intestines. Two seals survived the ingestion of a fish-hook by being fed cotton wool, which prevented a perforation. Most hooks were identified as hooks used in fisheries around wrecked vessels to catch cod. Fishermen are therefore advised to take preventive measures.
Key Words: PHOCA VITULINA; COMMON SEAL; HALICHOERUS GRYPUS; GREY SEAL; REHABILITATION; NECROPSY; FISH-HOOK; FOREIGN OBJECT; NON-INVASIVE TREATMENT; THE NETHERLANDS
Document Type: Research article
DOI: 10.1578/AM.32.3.2006.261
Page Numbers: 261 – 264