MYOSITIS OSSIFICANS TRAUMATICA IN A VAMPIRE BAT (DESMODUS ROTUNDUS)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Comparative Pathology
• Wildlife Health

Background:

• Myositis ossificans traumatica (MOT) is a rare condition involving heterotopic bone formation in skeletal muscle, typically following trauma.
• While reported in various mammals, MOT is infrequently documented in exotic species.

Observation:

• A 15-year-old female vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) presented with a large, ulcerated abdominal mass.
• Diagnostic imaging and exploratory surgery revealed a nonresectable mass.
• Histopathology confirmed severe necrotizing, degenerative, and pyogranulomatous myositis with osseous and cartilaginous metaplasia, consistent with MOT.

Findings:

• The condition was strongly linked to a Cesarean section performed at the same site two years prior.
• This suggests a significant tissue response to surgical trauma as a potential cause.
• The histopathological findings were definitive for myositis ossificans traumatica.

Implications:

• This case represents the first documented occurrence of myositis ossificans traumatica in a bat.
• It highlights the potential for severe post-traumatic complications in wildlife, even after seemingly routine procedures.
• Understanding this condition's pathogenesis in bats may inform future veterinary care and surgical outcomes in this species.