Treatment of Pathological Fractures in Two Lion Cubs (Panthera leo) with Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidsm

Abstract

Secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism (NSH) is a metabolic disease characterized by the symptoms such as lameness, constipation, lordosis, and pathological fractures resulting from Ca and P imbalance. A five months old captive-bred two lion cubs were presented with pain in the whole body, reluctance to move, and growth retardation with no history of trauma. Radiographs revealed generalized osteopenia, multiple fractures of all limbs and lordosis of the caudal vertebrae. Some of these fractures were nonunion. Based on radiographic findings and a history of an exclusive chicken liver diet and goat milk since weaning (after 1 month age), a diagnosis of nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism was made. The diet was changed to a portion of commercial kitten food, vitamin D supplements, goat milk. Operative interventions were performed to repair the fractured bones and for those which were not suitable for operation, bandage was applied. Cubs were given cage rest for 8 weeks. At the end of these processes, patients were discharged walkable.