Hepatic fibrosis and mineralization in a free-ranging barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) from the Northwest Territories

• Main Authors: Fenton, Heather, Cluff, H. Dean, Blakley, Barry, Rothenburger, Jamie L.
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Veterinary Medical Association 2022
• Subjects: Scientific: Brief Communication; Northwest Territories; Rangifer tarandus
• Online Access: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8759337/; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35110773

Due to concerns about the appearance of portions of liver from a harvested adult, male barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus), samples were submitted for diagnostic investigation. The gross and histologic findings were consistent with severe hepatic fibrosis and mineralization. Concentrations of vitamin E in the liver were also deficient. Disease investigations in wildlife of detectable abnormalities such as this provide important information for understanding the role of disease as populations change, as well as for safety of human food sources.