Juvenile rickets and hyperparathyroidism in the Arctic fox

Three of seven Arctic fox kits, Alopex lagopus, trapped on St. Paul Island, Alaska, had evidence of rickets and hyperparathyroidism. Radiographic, morphologic and histologic examination confirmed the diagnosis. The disease was presumed to be a juvenile-onset disease due to calcium-deficient intake following weaning. The possibility of insufficient exposure to sunlight could not be determined. No other abnormalities (e.g., genitourinary) were found. Skeletal involvement was quite varied. All growth plates exhibited columnar hyperplasia compatible with rickets, while the metaphyses showed decreased trabeculation and cortical thinning compatible with osteodystrophia fibrosa. One fox had bilateral metaphyseal fractures through this osteodystrophic bone.