Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism in a white lion cub (Panthera leo), with concomitant radiographic double cortical line.
A captive-bred white lion cub was presented with hindquarter pain, lameness and reluctance to move. Radiographs revealed generalised osteoapenia, multiple fractures, a severely collapsed pelvic girdle, bilateral lateral bowing of the scapulae and mild kyphosis of the caudal vertebrae. A double cortical line, a distinct sign of osteopaenia, was repeatedly seen on the pelvic limbs, most strikingly along both femurs. Based on radiographic findings and a history of an exclusive meat diet since weaning, a diagnosis of nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism was made. The diet was changed to a commercial kitten food and the cub was given cage rest for 6 weeks. Signs of pain abated and the cub became more active. A guarded prognosis was given for full recovery, as changes to the pelvis were considered potentially irreversible.
Herz
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Lammermoor Veterinary Clinic, PO Box 69287, Bryanston 2021, South Africa. almiraza@yahoo.com
Kirberger
R M
RM
D000821:Animal Feed; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo; D006962:Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000209:etiology; D008045:Lions; D008297:Male; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D010388:Pelvis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography