Computed tomographic features of severe horn infection in a male Scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah)

Abstract

A 3-year-old male Scimitar-horned oryx presented for evaluation of an acutely deformed right horn with right head tilt and right facial pain. Computed tomographic evaluation revealed an increased volume of central fluid/soft tissue attenuation with gas-attenuating foci within the right horn. The right horn was amputated at the right horn base. Imaging and histopathologic features were consistent with emphysematous osteomyelitis. Following treatment, the patient returned to normal behavior. This is the first veterinary report describing the computed tomographic features of a horn infection in a Scimitar-horned oryx.