A possible case of necrotizing dermatitis in the crocodylian Diplocynodon,from the Oligocene of the Isle of Wight,United Kingdom |
| |
| Authors: | E D S Wolff D W Fowler J W Bonde |
| |
| Institution: | 1. Department of Earth Sciences , Montana State University , 200 Traphagen Hall, PO Box 173480, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA wolff@montana.edu;3. 36 Buxton Old Road, Disley, Stockport, SK12 2RW, UK;4. Department of Earth Sciences , Montana State University , 200 Traphagen Hall, PO Box 173480, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA |
| |
| Abstract: | Here we describe a pathological osteoderm from the crocodylomorph Diplocynodon hantoniensis (Bouldnor Formation, earliest Oligocene, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom). The specimen bears a porous, erosive branching channel that distorts the surface ornamentation and periosteum over 60% of the preserved dorsal surface area. We diagnose this condition as necrotizing dermatitis: a surficial bacterial or fungal infection that can penetrate the dermal layers to affect the underlaying penosteum of osteoderms. This condition has been previously reported for an extant tortoise and caiman; however, this is the first reported occurrence in the fossil record. |
| |
| Keywords: | Palaeopathology necrotizing dermatitis Diplocynodon crocodylian osteoderm |
|
|
