SYNDACTYLISM AND BRACHYGNATHIA IN A WHITE-TAILED DEER

A white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawn was presented to the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study for examination of brachygnathia and syndactylous front feet. The hoof keratin of digits 3 and 4 was completely fused and typical sole integument covered the palmar surface between the primary digits. Based on a radiographic examination, there was fusion of the epiphyses of the first phalanges of digits 3 and 4 in both feet. In the right foot the proximal metaphyses of the first phalanges of digits 3 and 4 were fused.