Mycoplasma-associated Polyarthritis in a Reticulated Giraffe

Abstract

A case of Mycoplasma-associated polyarthritis was diagnosed in a captive reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata). Recurrent episodes of lameness with temporary response to antimicrobial therapy characterized the disease. After the fifth episode, the giraffe was immobilized for arthrocentesis of the right front fetlock joint. Although the culture was negative, Mycoplasma sp. nucleic acid was detected in synovial fluid using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Twelve weeks after completion of enrofloxacin therapy evidence of Mycoplasma sp. was not detectable in the synovial fluid; no relapses occurred after 22 mo. This is the first report of Mycoplasma-associated polyarthritis in a giraffe.

Examining disease prevalence for species of conservation concern using non‐invasive spatial capture–recapture techniques

“…), polyarthritis (Hammond et al . ), fibropapilloma infection (Karstad & Kaminjolo ; van Dyk et al . ) and sarcoptic mange (Alasaad et al .…”

Insufficient Colostrum Ingestion is a Risk Factor for Polyarthritis and/or Phlegmon in Hand-Reared Reticulated Giraffes (<i>Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata</i>): 7 Cases (2003–2012)

“…The bovine calf is known to exhibit neonatal lameness and septicemia due to insufficient colostrum intake [8]. Moreover, previous reports noted that the giraffe calf did not receive the dam’s colostrum, which might have caused the disease [4, 6]. In the present study, in calf no.…”

“…However, the cause of the disorder was unclear. Although 2 cases of polyarthritis in the giraffe have been reported [4, 6], to the best of our knowledge, there is no report on multiple cases and the possible cause in the early stages after birth. In this study, we reviewed all clinical records and the amount of fed colostrum, and found that insufficient colostrum might be a risk factor for polyarthritis and/or phlegmon.…”

OSTEOCHONDROSIS IN THE DISTAL FEMURS OF AN ADULT RETICULATED GIRAFFE (GIRAFFA CAMELOPARDALIS RETICULATA): MACROSCOPIC, RADIOLOGIC, AND HISTOLOGIC FINDINGS

“…4 A review of the literature revealed various reports of orthopedic problems, usually focusing on diseases of the foot. 2,5,12 Foot diseases in captive megaherbivores are easier to diagnose than problems further proximal within the limb, because clinical signs are more apparent and radiologic evaluation is straightforward. Osseous pathologies of the proximal limb are less frequently reported.…”