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Rickets in two hand-reared polar bear (Ursus maritimus) cubs.
D E Kenny1, N A Irlbeck, J L Eller
1Denver Zoological Gardens, City Park, Colorado 80205-4899, USA.
Summary
Two polar bear cubs abandoned by their mother received intensive care for hypothermia and rickets. Dietary adjustments led to full recovery, with one cub experiencing residual genu varum.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Zoology
- Comparative Biology
Background:
- Polar bear (Ursus maritimus) cubs require specialized neonatal care.
- Maternal abandonment presents significant challenges for cub survival in zoological settings.
Observation:
- Two newborn polar bear cubs exhibited lethargy and hypothermia following abandonment.
- The cubs developed nutritional rickets during intensive hand-rearing.
Findings:
- Prompt veterinary intervention and intensive care were crucial for cub survival.
- Dietary modifications successfully treated rickets in both cubs.
- The female cub presented with a persistent bowed right femur (genu varum) post-recovery.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of dedicated neonatal care protocols for polar bears in zoos.
- Understanding and managing nutritional deficiencies like rickets is vital for growing cubs.
- Long-term orthopedic outcomes, such as genu varum, warrant continued monitoring in rescued cubs.