Photographic case studies of skin conditions in wild-ranging bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) calves

We report on two case studies of skin lesions of unknown etiology in wild-ranging bottlenose dolphin calves in Monterey Bay, CA (USA), documented through digital photography. In the first case study, the progression of the lesions was documented from 19 August, 2006 to 28 September, 2008. While the condition appeared severe and widespread, including a number of unusual crater-form ulcerations, the behavior and overall health of the calf seemed normal. The condition eventually resolved leaving very little scarring. In the second case study, the calf had no skin lesions shortly after birth on 23 October, 2008, but in less than a year developed significant necrotic ulcerations. The animal appeared emaciated and behaved abnormally. One year later, on 9 June, 2010, the calf was re-sighted in an apparently improved condition. We believe the conditions described to be undocumented in the literature for wild-ranging bottlenose dolphins.