Debilitating Musculoskeletal Disease in Two Free-Ranging Juvenile American Black Bears (Ursus americanus)
Fahrenholz IC, Dennis MM, Morandi F, Dittmer KE, Sheldon JD. 2024. Debilitating Musculoskeletal Disease in Two Free-Ranging Juvenile American Black Bears (Ursus americanus). Animals. 14:1-14
Simple Summary: This case report highlights two wild juvenile American black bears that were admitted to a rehabilitation facility but were euthanized due to severe immobility and joint laxity. Known musculoskeletal diseases of young bears are usually caused by trauma in the wild, or potentially rickets (a form of malnutrition) if raised in captivity. However, Case 1 was diagnosed with abnormal cartilage development (chondrodysplasia), likely of genetic origin, and Case 2 had osteoporosis and unidentified collagen abnormalities which are both unique to the current literature. With growing black bear populations, and increasing wildlife–human interface, we advise wildlife biologists and veterinarians to monitor and evaluate similar cases to help us further understand these uncommon diseases.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Fahrenholz, Isabella; Dennis, Michelle; Morandi, Federica; Dittmer, Keren; Sheldon, Julie
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- American black bear, chondrodysplasia, epiphyseal dysplasia, GRSM-02149, joint laxity, Mammalia, osteoporosis, Ursidae, Ursus americanus. vitamin D, veterinary science