Case study documents a detected fracture in the proximal pastern bone of a giraffe, suggesting new insights for hoof pathology.
Foot and hoof problems are one of the most common health concerns for giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) held in captivity. However, very limited information is available on the foot pathology for free-roaming giraffes. A free-roaming giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa) situated within a small Free State game reserve presented with limping, and provided a unique opportunity to examine and treat the apparent foot injury. After being sedated and restrained, radiographs were taken in the field. A lateral fracture was diagnosed in the proximal pastern bone of the right front leg of the giraffe. Hoof trimming was used in an attempt to provide treatment and relief to the animal's gait and appearance. The occurrence and treatment of this hoof injury could provide insight on similar pathology in zoo environments.
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Grobbelaar et al. (2025) studied this question.
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