Vertebral disease in excavated canine in Lower Silesia, Poland

Abstract

A mostly complete canine skeleton was excavated during rescue archaeological explorations in Domaslaw (Lower Silesia, Poland). The archaeozoological analysis revealed loss of several left maxillary incisors. Discospondylitis was observed in two adjacent lumbar vertebrae. Potential causes of the vertebral pathology are discussed. The cause of death is unknown, but sepsis should be considered. No other pathological changes or evidence of human manipulation to the skeleton were identified. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier Inc.