Article
Skeletal remains of five blue foxes (Vulpes lagopus) from St. Paul Island, Pribilof Islands, Alaska: A view of differential diagnosis
International Journal of Osteoarchaeology
(2020)
Abstract
We evaluated skeletal remains of five blue arctic foxes from St. Paul Island, Pribilof
Islands, Alaska. All five had been found dead. Cleared skeletal remains were examined
visually and by magnification or backlighting where necessary. Pathological features
were described and photographed. Results suggested that more than one disorder
may have occurred in these foxes, with primary observations being demineralizing
and/or proliferation. Most prominently affected were the skull, maxillae, mandibles,
pelvis, long bones, and major diarthrodial joints. It was critically important to recognize
certain other pathological features that can be observed on many or most fox
skeletal remains but are unlikely to relate to conditions that demineralize bone or
cause overt bone loss, multifocal loss of joint architecture, or severe multifocal periarticular
boney proliferation. The differential diagnosis of canid skeletal demineralizing
includes primary and secondary (nutritional or renal) hyperparathyroidism.
Boney proliferation has a wider differential spectrum that can include
hypervitaminosis A, osteomyelitis, abnormalities related to inbreeding, and environmental
toxicosis. In our view, given the lack of soft tissue for histological evaluation
and biochemical analysis, a well-considered differential diagnosis is an appropriate
scientific point of conclusion. In the many similar circumstances that would require
additional studies for valid definitive diagnosis during life, investigators should review
relevant literature and consider the value of well-structured differential diagnosis, as
contrasted with more speculative definitive diagnoses.
Keywords
- blue fox (Vulpes lagopus,
- arctic fox),
- demineralization,
- differential diagnosis,
- environmental toxicology,
- hyperparathyroidism,
- hypervitaminosis,
- skeletal disease
Disciplines
Publication Date
Fall 2020
Citation Information
Dennis Lawler, Michael A. Etnier and Basil Tangredi. "Skeletal remains of five blue foxes (Vulpes lagopus) from St. Paul Island, Pribilof Islands, Alaska: A view of differential diagnosis" International Journal of Osteoarchaeology Vol. 31 (2020) p. 339 - 346 ISSN: 1099-1212 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/michael-etnier/42/