Palaeopathological analysis of a Chilean gomphothere (Proboscidea: Gomphotheriidae)

ConclusionsThe original diagnosis of traumatic lesions on this specimen is unsupported. The re-evaluation identified the presence of developmental defects, degenerative joint disease, possible neoplastic lesions, and spondyloartropathy.SignificanceThe present analysis adds data to the sparse paleopathological record of South American gomphotheres.LimitationsTaphonomic alteration of some skeletal elements, as well as the presence of an incomplete individual, limits the ability to determine the etiology of some of the lesions identified.Suggestions for further researchResearchers are encouraged to re-examine specimens curated in museums in order to identify pathological conditions that might have been overlooked or might benefit from re-evaluation.
Source: International Journal of Paleopathology - Category: Pathology Source Type: research