Spread bow leg syndrome in ostrich (Struthio camelus) chicks aged 2-12 weeks
Résumé
1. Reported currently is the incidence of spread bow leg syndrome and associated pathology in 15 ostrich chicks aged 2, 4, 8 and 12 wk., respectively. Measurements were made of hind limbs: femur plus tibiotarsus; tarsometatarus; phalanx I, digit III; phalanx II, digit III plus phalanx III, digit III; and phalanx IV, digit III. 2. A run was constructed 6 x 1.7 m and subdivided into 2 m sections and time was recorded. Measurements (cm) were made of the left and right footprints; the number of footprints and average stride length in 0 - 2, 3 - 4 and 5 - 6 m. Speed was calculated using distance run (m) divisible by time taken (sec). 3. The number of steps were significantly (p<0.05) greater in bow leg chicks aged 4 and 8 wk. by comparison with healthy birds. Stride length, however, was significantly (p<0.05) smaller in all age groups with bow leg. All speeds in bow leg chicks were significantly (p<0.05) lower than those in healthy birds, except for that recorded at 2m in chicks aged 2 wk which did not differ markedly. 4. Feathers were sparse. Icterus was present. The tarsometatarsus was twisted, with severely inflamed joints, eroded distal ends, thickening of the cartilage and the presence of fibrous material surrounding the ligaments. Muscles in the hind limb were emaciated. 5. The syndrome compromises the ability of chicks to keep up with adults in flocks, and may compromise their ability to escape predation.
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