Suspected vitamin E-selenium deficiency in two ostriches

Paresis of the limbs of two 4-month-old ostriches fed a diet predominantly of crushed maize was investigated. Raised levels of serum aspartate transaminase and creatine kinase were demonstrated in both birds. The less severely affected ostrich recovered after a single intramuscular injection of a vitamin E-selenium preparation but the other died despite therapy. An autopsy of the latter revealed focal pale areas in the thigh muscle. Microscopically affected muscle fibres showed degeneration, necrosis and regenerative changes. Fibrinoid degeneration and necrosis of some arterioles was observed as well as varying degrees of interstitial fibrosis. The above findings suggest a diagnosis of vitamin E-selenium deficiency.