Bilateral carpal valgus deformity in hand-reared cheetah cubs (Acinonyx jubatus)

• Published in: Zoo biology 2011-03, Vol.30 (2), p.199-204
• Main Authors: Bell, Katherine M, van Zyl, Malan, Ugarte, Claudia E, Hartman, Angela
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acinonyx; Acinonyx jubatus; Animal Feed - analysis; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Body Weight; bone; bone formation; carpal valgus; cheetah; chemistry; deformity; Diet - veterinary; diet therapy; energy intake; Forelimb - pathology; gastroenteritis; Gastroenteritis - complications; Gastroenteritis - veterinary; gastrointestinal system; hand-reared; Joint Diseases - diet therapy; Joint Diseases - pathology; Joint Diseases - veterinary; nutrient intake; radiography; weaning; zoos
• ISSN: 0733-3188; 1098-2361
• DOI: 10.1002/zoo.20328

Four hand-reared cheetah cubs (Acinonyx jubatus) exhibited progressively severe bilateral valgus deformity of the carpi (CV) during the weaning period. Radiographs of the thoracic limbs suggested normal bone ossification, and serum chemistry was unremarkable. All affected cubs developed CV shortly after the onset of gastroenteritis, which was treated medically, and included use of a prescription diet. A sudden decrease in growth rate was associated with gastrointestinal disease. Before gastroenteritis and CV, affected cubs had higher growth rates than unaffected cubs, despite similar mean daily energy intake. Return to normal thoracic limb conformation was consequent to dietary manipulation (including a reduction in energy intake and vitamin and mineral supplementation), as well as decreased growth rates and recovery from gastroenteritis. The cause of the CV is likely to have been multi-factorial with potentially complex physiological interactions involved. Zoo Biol 30:199-204, 2011.