Clinical conditions found radiographically in the front feet of Reticulated giraffe (Giraffe Camelopardalis reticulata) in a single zoo

Front foot radiographs from 22 giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) at one zoo were analyzed to better understand causes of lameness in this giraffe population. The herd had a history of front hoof overgrowth and intermittent lameness. Radiographic findings included distal interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis (OA), distal phalangeal bone (P3) osteitis, P3 fractures, P3 rotation, and sesamoid […]

Fancy Footwork: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Giraffe Herd Trains for Farrier Work and X-rays

Nearly eighty percent of all giraffe sedation procedures are related to foot care. Most of the knockdowns are done once the giraffes display clinical signs of lameness, hoof overgrowth, abscesses, or swelling. Statistics show that ten percent of giraffes put under anesthesia do not make it through the procedure. These alarming statistics demonstrate the necessity […]

Arthroscopic surgery in a reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata)

An 8-month-old captive male reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) developed an acute lameness (grade IV/V) of the right forelimb, with swelling of the metacarpophalangeal joint. A traumatic injury was suspected based on clinical, radiographic, and arthroscopic evaluation. Several abnormalities were identified arthroscopically, including synovitis, cartilage damage, and an osteochondral fragment. Medial collateral ligament damage was […]

Osseous cyst-like lesions in a 15 year old Rothschild’s giraffe (Giraffa camelopardis rothschildi)

Osseous cyst-like lesions (OCLLs) are commonly reported in equines (Watkins, 1999).They are uncommon in ruminants (Tyron and Farrow, 1999) and have never been documented in a giraffe. The aetiopathogenesis of OCLLs has not yet been conclusively determined. Currently there are two hypotheses; defective endochondral ossification or, that cyst development follows mechanical trauma in joints with […]