Bilateral carpal valgus deformity in hand‐reared cheetah cubs (Acinonyx jubatus)

Abstract

Four hand-reared cheetah cubs (Acinonyx jubatus) exhibited progressively severe bilateral valgus deformity of the carpi (CV) during the weaning period. Radiographs of the thoracic limbs suggested normal bone ossification, and serum chemistry was unremarkable. All affected cubs developed CV shortly after the onset of gastroenteritis, which was treated medically, and included use of a prescription diet. A sudden decrease in growth rate was associated with gastrointestinal disease. Before gastroenteritis and CV, affected cubs had higher growth rates than unaffected cubs, despite similar mean daily energy intake. Return to normal thoracic limb conformation was consequent to dietary manipulation (including a reduction in energy intake and vitamin and mineral supplementation), as well as decreased growth rates and recovery from gastroenteritis. The cause of the CV is likely to have been multi-factorial with potentially complex physiological interactions involved.

Blood values of adult captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) fed either supplemented beef or whole rabbit carcasses

“…Relative to other felids of equivalent body size, cheetahs have small skulls, short jaws, and undeveloped canines, which are thought to be a consequence of evolutionary selection for a body design capable of high speeds [Van Valkenburgh, ; Bell, ]. Although the feeding of meat chunks to captive cheetahs may address the impaired ability of cheetahs to manipulate large bones in their diet, the practice has resulted in nutritional deficiencies when inappropriately supplemented [Christie, ; Allan et al, ; Bell et al, ]. Bechert et al [] investigated diet composition and nutritional status of cheetahs fed supplemented meat vs. commercially available raw meat diets and concluded that both diets may still result in suboptimal nutrition.…”

Diseases Impacting Captive and Free-Ranging Cheetahs

“…Many of the important noninfectious diseases of neonatal and juvenile cheetahs are nutritionally based (Chapters 24 and 26). Bilateral carpal valgus deformities that may require surgical repair have been noted in captive cheetahs at multiple facilities (Allan et al, 2008;Bell et al, 2011). In these cases, cubs presented with lameness around 6 months of age or during weaning.…”

“…Excess dietary calcium can inhibit cartilage maturation and contribute to osteochondrosis, an underlying cause of these deformities (Allan et al, 2008). In some cases, however, affected cheetahs were fed the same diet as unaffected littermates, suggesting that other factors may also be involved (Bell et al, 2011). Fractures have also been reported in some cheetahs, especially in king cheetahs, after minimal trauma, raising concerns about inappropriate dietary mineral content.…”

Clinical Management of Captive Cheetahs

“…Cubs can then be weaned by 6-7 weeks of age (Citino, unpublished data). Weaning at a younger age leads to less carpal valgal abnormalities, which are commonly seen in hand-reared cheetahs (Bell et al, 2011;Chapter 25).…”