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Suspected vitamin E-selenium deficiency in two ostriches.
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
|March 1, 1983
Summary
Vitamin E-selenium deficiency caused limb paresis in young ostriches fed maize. Supplementation improved one bird, but the other died, showing muscle degeneration and arteriole damage, confirming the deficiency diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Avian medicine
- Nutritional pathology
- Veterinary neurology
Background:
- Investigated limb paresis in two 4-month-old ostriches.
- Diet consisted predominantly of crushed maize.
Observation:
- Both birds exhibited elevated serum aspartate transaminase and creatine kinase levels.
- One ostrich recovered after vitamin E-selenium treatment; the other succumbed.
Findings:
- Autopsy revealed focal pale areas in thigh muscle, indicative of degeneration, necrosis, and regeneration.
- Microscopic examination showed fibrinoid degeneration and necrosis of arterioles, alongside interstitial fibrosis.
- Biochemical and pathological findings strongly suggest vitamin E-selenium deficiency.
Implications:
- Highlights the critical role of vitamin E and selenium in ostrich health.
- Suggests dietary evaluation and supplementation protocols for young ostriches.
- Underscores the potential for nutritional deficiencies to cause severe neurological and muscular conditions in avian species.