Abstract

Degenerative joint diseases are commonly encountered in pet practice, but reports among the wild counterparts are few. Management of joint disorders in Sloth bears requires in-depth studies to understand the factors associated with them. The present case reports a 16-year-old rescued dancing male sloth bear housed at the lifetime care facility of Bannerghatta bear rescue centre, showing difficulty in movement and gait abnormalities. The bear was immobilized using xylazine-ketamine combination. Upon general health check-up,
blood samples were collected, and complete radiography was performed. Hematobiochemical analysis revealed no significant abnormalities. A series of whole pelvic imaging showed irregular bone density and fragmentation of the femur head and neck and widening joint space indicative of bilateral osteoarthritis of coxo-femoral joint. The bear was supplemented with a joint supplement along with calcium-phosphorus suspension for a period of 3 months. Enrichment activities were done as a means of physiotherapy. The sloth bear showed notable progress with increased mobility and gait pattern. Diagnostic imaging as a tool for early diagnosis of orthopaedic disorders in sloth bears coupled with therapeutics and physiotherapy needs to be further exploited for the betterment of the captively housed wild animals.

Keywords : Degenerative joint disease, Osteoarthritis, Sloth bear, Diagnosis, Treatment