Hyperostotic Bone Disease in Red Pandas (Ailurus Fulgens)

Abstract

Three adult red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) developed multiple periarticular exostoses in their elbow joints. Two of these animals also had extensive periosteal new bone formation and osteosclerosis of the ulnae and radii and mild periosteal new bone deposition on the femurs. One animal also showed extensive hyperostosis of the cranium and mandibles. Dietary concentrations of calcium and phosphorus were estimated to be adequate, but dietary vitamin A and D appeared excessive when compared with recommended levels for this species. Serum vitamin A concentrations were not elevated in the two most severely affected animals, but their liver vitamin A content was higher than what is considered normal for most domestic animal species. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentrations were within normal ranges for domestic species. A definitive diagnosis for the cause of the lesions was not established, but hypervitaminosis A was suspected.

Survey of the feeding management of giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) and tamanduas (Tamandua tetradactyla) in the EAZA ex‐situ programme

“…In comparison, skeletal changes such as vertebral hyperostosis due to hypervitaminosis A have been described for the domestic cat (Corbee et al, 2014). For other Carnivora such as the red panda, periarticular exostoses due to presumed hypervitaminosis A have also been published (Lynch & Slocombe, 2002). Any basic feed for giant anteaters and tamanduas should, therefore, be evaluated very critically for vitamins A and D content.…”

Dissecting the Meanings of “Physiology” to Assess the Vitality of the Discipline

“…It has been suggested that this distinction is no longer relevant to the general science of living organisms. It has even been argued, by most philosophers of medicine (14,19,32,87), with the notable exception of Christopher Boorse and some of his followers (10,46), that this distinction is not grounded in hard science but merely reflects our values.…”