Surgical Management of Bilateral Stifle Osteochondritis Dissecans in a Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)
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A 1 year old female snow leopard (Panthera uncia) presented to the veterinary department of a zoological institution in the United States with a 1 month history of abnormal posture and right pelvic limb lameness. Physical exam showed a mild decrease in epaxial muscle mass and crepitus of the left stifle. Pelvic limb radiographs and a computed tomography scan revealed subchondral bone defects of the lateral femoral condyles bilaterally with joint effusion and a mineralized cartilage flap in the right stifle. The animal was diagnosed with bilateral stifle osteochondritis dissecans. Surgical correction was elected for both stifles, specifically debridement of the cartilage flaps and osteochondral autografting using the Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System (OATS). After release back onto exhibit, the animal had improved gait in both hind limbs.