Cystic fibrous osteodystrophy of the jaw in two pet kinkajous (Potos flavus)

Abstract

Two kinkajous (Potos flavus), which were separately owned as pets and fed an inappropriate diet consisting almost exclusively of succulent fruits developed cystic fibrous osteodystrophy of the jaw. In both cases there was a prominent enlargement of the chin and lower jaw, decalcification of facial bones, softening of the gingiva, and severe malocclusion, but no other relevant changes. Clinical, radiographic and histological findings were consistent with cystic fibrous osteodystrophy. The findings suggest that kinkajous with this condition are particularly prone to developing a bulbous enlargement of the chin as the main clinical sign, and that this change is histologically similar to the cystic form of the disease observed in man and monkeys.