Insufficient colostrum ingestion is a risk factor for polyarthritis and/or phlegmon in hand-reared reticulated giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata): 7 cases (2003-2012).
Seven reticulated giraffes were hand-reared at Nogeyama Zoological Gardens, because the dam had agalactia. Six of the 7 calves exhibited polyarthritis and/or phlegmon in the lower legs. However, the cause of the disorder was unclear. The present study reviewed the clinical records of the 7 giraffes, including the type and amount of colostrum ingested during the first 72 hr. The disorder involved the fetlocks and carpal and tarsal joints in 6 of the 7 calves within an average of 8 days of birth. The average amount of fed bovine or powdered colostrum was 0-2.4 l in the first 24 hr and 2.0-6.2 l during the first 72 hr. Insufficient colostrum quantity might be a factor in polyarthritis and/or phlegmon.
Nogeyama Zoological Gardens, 63-10 Oimatsu cho, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0032, Japan.
Nobuhide
N
Kido
Kasumi
K
Nagakura
Masanori
M
Itabashi
Kaori
K
Ono
Mayuko
M
Dan
Rei
R
Matsumoto
Tomoko
T
Omiya
D000821:Animal Feed / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000379:methods; D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo; D001168:Arthritis / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D003126:Colostrum / Q000737:chemistry*; D006614:Hindlimb / Q000473:pathology; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000662:veterinary*; D012418:Ruminants; D016896:Treatment Outcome