Stifle osteochondritis dissecans in snow leopards (Uncia uncia).
Three snow leopard (Uncia uncia) cubs, female and male siblings and an unrelated female, had lameness attributed to osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions noted at 6, 8, and 10 mo of age, respectively. All cubs were diagnosed with OCD via radiographs. The sibling cubs both had lesions of the right lateral femoral condyles, while the unrelated cub had bilateral lesions of the lateral femoral condyles. Subsequently, OCD was confirmed in all three cases during surgical correction of the lateral femoral condyle lesions via lateral stifle arthrotomies, flap removal, and debridement of the defect sites. Histopathology also supported the diagnosis of OCD. Postoperatively, the sibling cubs developed seromas at the incision sites and mild lameness, which resolved within a month. To date, two cubs have been orthopedically sound, while one of the sibling cubs has developed mild osteoarthritis. OCD has rarely been reported in domestic felids, and to the authors' knowledge these are the first reported cases of OCD in nondomestic felids.
Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Taronga Wildlife Hospital, P.O. Box 20, Mosman, New South Wales 2088, Australia. kimberlyv@zoo.nsw.gov.au
Kimberly Vinette
KV
Herrin
Graeme
G
Allan
Anthony
A
Black
Rhonda
R
Aliah
Cameron Rolfe
CR
Howlett
D000818:Animals; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D045989:Felidae; D005260:Female; D005944:Glucosamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D010008:Osteochondritis Dissecans / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D010426:Pentosan Sulfuric Polyester / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013264:Stifle / Q000473:pathology*
D010426:Pentosan Sulfuric Polyester; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates; D005944:Glucosamine