Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
White lion cub with bone pain and fractures from diet problem
By Herz, V & Kirberger, R M·Published in Journal of the South African Veterinary Association·2004·Lammermoor Veterinary Clinic·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism in a white lion cub (Panthera leo), with concomitant radiographic double cortical line.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A white lion cub was brought in because it was experiencing pain in its hindquarters and was limping, showing reluctance to move. X-rays showed weak bones, multiple fractures, and other serious issues with its pelvis and shoulders, which were linked to a diet consisting only of meat since weaning. The vet diagnosed the cub with nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, a condition caused by poor nutrition. The treatment involved switching to a commercial kitten food and giving the cub six weeks of cage rest. After treatment, the cub's pain improved, and it became more active, although full recovery was uncertain due to the extent of the damage to its pelvis.
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Abstract
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.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15214697/