IDENTIFYING AND MANAGING AN ADVERSE FOOD REACTION IN A POLAR BEAR (URSUS MARITIMUS) BY AN ELIMINATION DIET TRIAL

• Published in: Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
• Main Authors: Sara Monson, Larry J. Minter, Marissa Krouse, Ryan S. De Voe
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: American Association of Zoo Veterinarians 2014
• Subjects: Ursus maritimus
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1638/2013-0161R.1

A 16-yr-old polar bear (Ursus maritimus) presented with severe diarrhea shortly following transfer to the North Carolina Zoological Park. Multiple diagnostic procedures were performed over several months and the cause of the chronic diarrhea was inconclusive. Histologically, colonic mucosal biopsies were consistent with severe chronic eosinophilic and lymphoplasmacytic colitis with no evidence of etiologic agents present. A dietary elimination trial was conducted and an adverse food reaction to the dog chow in the diet was confirmed.