A dermal melanoma in a young common seal (phoca vitulina)

Abstract

A subcutaneous melanocytic tumor was diagnosed during the rehabilitation period of a stranded 7-mo-old common seal (Phoca vitulina) suffering from parasitic bronchopneumonia. The clinical signs of the seal as well as the histopathology of the tumor are described. This is the first time a melanocytic tumor has been diagnosed in a common seal. The mass was identified as a low-grade dermal melanoma. © Wildlife Disease Association 2010.