Vertebral Osteomyelitis and Septic Arthritis Associated With Staphylococcus hyicus in a Juvenile Peregrine Falcon ( Falco peregrinus ).

A 6-week-old, parent-reared peregrine falcon ( Falco peregrinus ) was presented with spastic hypertonus of its hind limbs of unknown origin and duration. Radiologic examination revealed smooth periosteal reactions ventrally at thoracic vertebrae 5 to 7. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography identified the swelling as inflammation; antibiotic, antimycotic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic treatments were initiated, and vitamins and minerals were supplemented. Because the bird's condition did not improve after 10 days, it was euthanatized and submitted for postmortem examination. On histopathologic examination, chronic, active osteomyelitis was diagnosed in thoracic vertebrae 5 to 7, and chronic, active arthritis was present in both the right shoulder and left elbow joints. Staphylococcus hyicus was isolated from these 3 locations, as well as from lungs and liver, indicating a chronic septic staphylococcosis. Although infections with Staphylococcus species are occasional causes of vertebral osteomyelitis in juvenile poultry with active growth plates, it is only sporadically reported in raptors and companion birds. This case report is the first description of the clinical features and diagnostic and pathologic findings in a juvenile peregrine falcon with hematogenous osteomyelitis and arthritis associated with septicemia caused by S hyicus.

Clinical Characteristics Study of Pseudohypoparathyroidism / 대한소아내분비학회지

PURPOSE: Pseudohypoparathyroidism(PHP) is caused by a defect of G protein and receptor despite of normal parathyroid hormone(PTH) secretion. It is a rare disorder characterized by hypocalcemia, hyperphophatemia, elevated PTH levels and albright hereditory osteodystrophy(AHO). We retrospectively reviewed the clinical characteristics of PHP. METHODS: We reviewed clinical features, laboratory findings, and outcome to treatment of 8 PHP patients, diagnosed at Seoul National University Hospital from 1988 to rool. RESULTS: Male to Female ratio was 1.7:1 and mean age at diagnosis was 11.8 years old. The initial average height SDS was 0.13+/-.08 and the average weight SDS was 0.43+/-.31. The most common symptom was seizure. Only one patient had typical AHO, three patients had mental retardation. Brain MRI or CT showed basal ganglia calcification in 3 patients. All patients treated with vitamin D and calcium supplementation could maintained normal serum levels of calcium and phophorus. CONCLUSION: PHP should be suspected in patient with seizure of unknown origin, aged above 5 year-old. AHO and mental retardation could be adjuvant signs to the diagnosis of PHP. But definite diagnosis could be made by laboratory work up.