Skeletal Pathology of Farm-Reared Obese Juvenile Blue Foxes (Vulpes lagopus)

Orthopedic abnormalities of farmreared blue foxes (Vulpes lagopus) have increased recently, creating new concerns about their welfare. Therefore, skeletal condition of obese juvenile blue foxes was evaluated for relationships to degree of obesity. Two pilot study groups included less obese foxes (N...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Mustonen, Anne-Mari, Lawler, Dennis F., Ahola, Leena, Koistinen, Tarja, Jalkanen, Liisa, Mononen, Jaakko, Lamidi, Marja-Leena, Nieminen, Petteri
Other Authors: University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine/Anatomy, University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Science and Forestry, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Joensuu, Ilinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Science and Forestry, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Kuopio, Punaturkki Veteriniary Clinic, University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Health Sciences, Luke / Vihreä teknologia / Integroitu kotieläintuotanto / Sika-, siipikarja- ja turkistuotanto (4100200412), 4100200412
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: African Association of Veterinary Anatomists
Subjects:
foxes
overweight
radiography
pathology
blue fox
obesity
skeletal pathology
Vulpes lagopus
Online Access:http://jukuri.luke.fi/handle/10024/540695
http://vetanat.com/View-content-online.htm
Description
Summary:Orthopedic abnormalities of farmreared blue foxes (Vulpes lagopus) have increased recently, creating new concerns about their welfare. Therefore, skeletal condition of obese juvenile blue foxes was evaluated for relationships to degree of obesity. Two pilot study groups included less obese foxes (N = 5) and more obese foxes (N = 5); the latter group had visible carpal joint laxity and locomotor deficits. The principal aims were to examine forelimb deformities and abnormal locomotion in light of degree of obesity. Overt and incipient (mild or developing) pathology were prevalent and reflected degree of obesity. It is likely that genetic selection and feeding practices were primary underlying problems, but disrupted mineral nutrition and housing practices may have been involved as well. These observations underscore the importance of new actions and additional studies of breeding, nutrition, and housing practices, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the welfare of farmed foxes. 2017

Similar Items