Western
Meeting of Poultry
Clinicians and Pathologists
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Clinicians and Pathologists
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Metatarsal Dyschondroplasia in an Ostrich J. L. Neufeld Veterinary Services Manitoba Agriculture
Introduction Ostrich eggs are hatched on premises remote from their final residence. At two to three weeks of age they are moved to the home farm. At the new home they are allowed a greatly increased area in which to run. About two weeks after transfer they begin to show signs of an outward twisting of the legs, which gradually worsens until the bird must be declared unsalvageable and euthanasia in necessary.
Submission One live ostrich juvenile was presented to the laboratory –6 weeks old. It was in good body condition with slight outward deviation of both legs. The bird was euthanized and necropsy performed. The only abnormality was confined to the proximal metatarsal bones. The lateral condyles of both bones contained large cartilage plugs and necrotic cartilage.
Histopathology The large cartilage masses are partially necrotic, and there is thrombosis of some of the area blood vessels. Resorption of the cartilage mass is not taking place in a normal fashion. In one area there is a line of separation or fracture.
Comment It appears that the lateral condyle of the proximal metatarsal bone cannot grow normally because of the defect in the cartilage growth plate, and with the medial growth plate functioning normally, the bone conformation changes and the end result is deviation laterally.
Resolution Changes in management were recommended, to more gradually condition the birds when they are moved to an area with more freedom to run. Additional vitamin D3 and macro-mineral supplementation were recommended t the age when the bones are growing the fastest.
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