Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in wildlife : and a review of suggested pathogeneses

Abstract: In this essay suggested pathogenesis of secondary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA) is reviewed. HOA, characterized by; periostitis, periosteal proliferation of tubular bones and arthritis can develop due to many different underlying diseases. The syndrome is most commonly seen with intra-thoracic malignancy or chronic pulmonary infections. HOA has previously mainly been described in humans and various domesticated species. More recently, through wildlife disease monitoring, cases have also been found among wild animals. This essay also aims to summarize the spectra of wild species in which the syndrome has been reported. Finding a coherent pathogenesis has proven to be difficult. Many theories overlap and are not yet fully investigated. Factors of importance include hypoxia, VEGF, PDGF and prostaglandins, but HOA is often suggested to be idiopathic. It is now obvious that secondary HOA affects a wide range of species. Even though the manifestation of the syndrome differs slightly between humans and animals it is similar in many aspects. Considering the similarities it can be presumed that the same pathogenesis applies for humans, domestic animals and wild animals.