When Antlers Grow Abnormally: A Hidden Disease Behind Common Cervid Trophy Deformities, Introducing Pedunculitis Chronica Deformans

For centuries, the most prevalent antler abnormalities observed worldwide have been attributed to trauma. However, detailed pathological investigation of these cases has not yet been carried out. In free-living fallow deer (Dama dama), we identified a chronic osteomyelitis-like condition—Pedunculiti...

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Veröffentlicht in:Animals (Basel) Jg. 15; H. 11; S. 1530
Hauptverfasser: Sükösd, Farkas, Lakatos, István, Ürmös, Ádám, Karkas, Réka, Sükösd, Ákos, Palánki, Gábor, Arany Tóth, Attila, Erdélyi, Károly, Misó, Mihály, Gőbölös, Péter, Posta, Katalin, Kovács, Ferenc, Ferenczi, Szilamér, Horváth, Győző, Szemethy, László, Szőke, Zsuzsanna
Format: Journal Article
Sprache:Englisch
Veröffentlicht: Switzerland MDPI AG 23.05.2025
MDPI
Schlagworte:
20th century
Animal populations
antler abnormality
cervids
Deer
Diseases
Epidemiology
fallow deer antler
Hungary
Morphology
Nutrition
pathological fracture
Pedunculitis Chronica Deformans
United States
Hungary
United States
United States > US
antler abnormality
cervids
fallow deer antler
pathological fracture
Pedunculitis Chronica Deformans
ISSN:2076-2615, 2076-2615
Online-Zugang:Volltext
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Zusammenfassung:For centuries, the most prevalent antler abnormalities observed worldwide have been attributed to trauma. However, detailed pathological investigation of these cases has not yet been carried out. In free-living fallow deer (Dama dama), we identified a chronic osteomyelitis-like condition—Pedunculitis Chronica Deformans (PCD)—using pathological and radiological diagnostics. We propose that inflammation during post-casting wound healing and consequent scar formation can trigger the development of PCD. In this study, we characterize the pathomorphology of PCD and introduce a scoring system to describe its severity. Furthermore, we describe the histoanatomy of the junction between the pedicle and the surrounding skin—an area essential for the integrity of the integument—which, when compromised, may predispose cervids to PCD. Our findings suggest that the most common antler abnormality results from a pathological fracture associated with PCD, which can be further complicated by fatal meningoencephalitis and brain abscesses. PCD-related lesions, while less frequently observed, can also be identified in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus), with species-specific differences. These findings overlap with cases reported in other cervid species, suggesting a more general disorder of antler formation. Describing this condition provides a basis for assessing its epidemiology and understanding its relevance to wildlife health.
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These authors contributed equally to this work.
ISSN:2076-2615
2076-2615
DOI:10.3390/ani15111530