Osteochondrosis Manifesta in Three Related Free-Ranging Gray Wolves (Canis lupus lupus) in Switzerland

Osteochondrosis is a common disease that has been described in several farm and pet species as well as in some wildlife species, including captive roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus), a giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata), snow leopard (Panthera uncia), and free-ranging wild boar (Sus scrofa ferus). It has not previously been confirmed in gray wolves (Canis lupus lupus). Postmortem radiographs of three free-ranging, juvenile sibling wolves revealed osteochondrosis in at least one of the glenohumeral joints (GHJs) in all individuals. Whole-body computed tomography and computed tomographic arthrography of both GHJs were performed in one case and suggested bilateral osteochondrosis lesions of the humeral head without cartilage flap formation. Cytologic examination of synovial fluid from the GHJs of this wolf was consistent with degenerative arthropathy. Macroscopic and histopathologic examination of the GHJs confirmed the presence of osteochondrosis manifesta in both males and the female. The identification of this condition highlights the importance of considering osteochondrosis in the differential diagnosis of lameness in both captive and free-ranging wolf populations.