We diagnosed exertional myopathy (EM) in a grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) that died approximately 10 days after capture by leghold snare in west-central Alberta, Canada, in June 2003. The diagnosis was based on history, post-capture movement data, gross necropsy, histopathology, and serum enzyme levels. We were unable to determine whether EM was the primary cause of death because autolysis precluded accurate evaluation of all tissues. Nevertheless, comparison of serum aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase concentrations and survival between the affected bear and other grizzly bears captured by leghold snare in the same research project suggests EM also occurred in other bears, but that it is not generally a cause of mortality. We propose, however, occurrence of nonfatal EM in grizzly bears after capture by leghold snare has potential implications for use of this capture method, including negative effects on wildlife welfare and research data.
How to translate text using browser tools
1 October 2008
Exertional Myopathy in a Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos) Captured by Leghold Snare
Marc Cattet,
Gordon Stenhouse,
Trent Bollinger
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
Vol. 44 • No. 4
October 2008
Vol. 44 • No. 4
October 2008
aspartate aminotransferase
AST
CK
creatine kinase
exertional myopathy
grizzly bear
leghold snare