Zinc-responsive dermatosis in a red wolf (canis rufus)

J Zoo Wildl Med. 2000 Jun;31(2):255-8. doi: 10.1638/1042-7260(2000)031[0255:ZRDIAR]2.0.CO;2.

Abstract

An 18-mo-old male red wolf (Canis rufus) presented with footpad hyperkeratosis, suppurative paronychia, distal limb pyoderma, and peripheral lymphadenopathy. Diet for the previous 11 mo consisted of a mixture of two commercially prepared dog foods with a mineral supplement containing primarily calcium. Culture of the draining tracts on the distal limbs yielded a mixed population of opportunistic bacteria. Histopathologic findings were consistent with a diagnosis of zinc deficiency. Medical therapy consisted of 15 mg/kg amoxicillin p.o. b.i.d. and 10 mg/kg zinc sulfate p.o. s.i.d. Calcium supplementation was discontinued. Clinical signs resolved by 10 wk after the initiation of treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amoxicillin / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Calcium, Dietary / adverse effects*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Histocytochemistry
  • Male
  • Penicillins / therapeutic use
  • Pyoderma / therapy
  • Pyoderma / veterinary
  • Recurrence
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Diseases / etiology
  • Skin Diseases / therapy
  • Skin Diseases / veterinary*
  • Wolves*
  • Zinc / blood
  • Zinc Sulfate / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Calcium, Dietary
  • Penicillins
  • Zinc Sulfate
  • Amoxicillin
  • Zinc