Osteoarthropathy of unknown aetiology in the long bones of farmed and wild Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus)

Authors

  • Fritz W Huchzermeyer University of Pretoria
  • Herman B Groenewald University of Pretoria
  • Jan G Myburgh University of Pretoria
  • Johan C.A Steyl University of Pretoria
  • Martina R Crole University of Pretoria

Abstract

Humeri of farmed and wild Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) collected during routine post-mortem examinations were boiled, cleaned and examined for lesions. Various degrees of gross bone and articular pathology were found. The lesions were situated predominantly at the proximal and distal epiphyseal and metaphyseal regions of the bone, where growth and bone remodelling occurs. In advanced cases partial collapse of the articular surface could be identified. From the collection of crocodile bones five particular cases are described. Because of the wide distribution of origin of the affected animals, nutritional or toxicological causes seem unlikely. One of the cases presented was associated with mycoplasmosis. These forms of crocodilian bone pathology need further investigation.

Author Biographies

  • Fritz W Huchzermeyer, University of Pretoria

    Department of Paraclinical Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa

  • Herman B Groenewald, University of Pretoria

    Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa

  • Jan G Myburgh, University of Pretoria

    Department of Paraclinical Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa

  • Johan C.A Steyl, University of Pretoria

    Department of Paraclinical Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa

  • Martina R Crole, University of Pretoria

    Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa

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Published

2021-12-06

Issue

Section

Case Report