Case of the week 1.24.22
Publication Date: 2022-01-21
History
8 months old female Chameleon. 1 week duration of lethargy and hyporexia
2 images
Findings
Orthogonal whole body standing radiographs are available for interpretation.
There is generalized marked decrease in the opacity of the osseous structures, with thin cortices and no distinct/minimal mineral opacities visible distal to the carpi/tarsi. There is suspect abnormal angulation of the right distal tibia/fibula with the tarsus. The left distal tibia/fibula are moderately curved medially. There is moderate curvature of the left ulna compared to the right with widening of the interosseous space between the left radius and ulna.
The pulmonary parenchyma is normal. The gastrointestinal tract contains a moderate volume of gas but is otherwise largely empty, and there is minimal subcutaneous or coelomic fat.
Diagnosis
Profound generalized osteopenia with suspect multiple pathologic folding fractures is most consistent with metabolic bone disease, i.e. nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. Poor/very thin body condition.
Discussion
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/reptiles/metabolic-and-endocrine-diseases-of-reptiles
Comparison of this chameleon with MBD vs. a chameleon with normal osseous structures.
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