Pathological Specimens

Injury, deformity, and disease can affect the growth and development of bone, resulting in an abnormal appearance of the afflicted animal’s skull or skeleton. Though it’s not always possible to know for sure what caused these abnormalities, many injuries and diseases leave a distinctive mark.

This gallery features a selection of pathological specimens from the Slow Cheetah Skeletons collection. Click on each example for additional pictures and information.

Injury

A broken bone that isn’t set correctly will still heal, but the results aren’t always pretty. Bites, scratches, and kicks can also leave their marks.

Deformity

Deformities, both congenital and acquired, can change, hinder, or even accelerate bone growth.

Disease

An infection in the surrounding tissue can spread to the bone, and there are diseases that start there, too.

Human-Caused

Wild animals don’t have access to veterinary hospitals or medical care. This is something an ethical hunter must always consider before they pull the trigger or let an arrow fly.