Calcinosis circumscripta in a captive African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

Abstract

Calcinosis circumscripta is an uncommon syndrome of ectopic mineralization characterized by deposition of calcium salts in soft tissues. It has been thought to be associated with cystic apocrine glands of the skin, and some researchers called this lesion ‘‘cystic apocrine calcinosis’’[1]. However, calcinosis circumscripta has been found in the tongue, which lacks apocrine glands[1]. The focal mineralized lesions are most frequently located in the region of extremity joints as well as cervical and thoracic spine segments[2]. The other sites predisposed to develop such pathological changes, with very few references in the literature, may include the mouth, gingiva, frenulum of the tongue, salivary glands, pinna, mandible, chest region and jejunum[2]. Dystrophic calcinosis circumscripta occurs when the serum calcium and phosphate levels are normal and the calcification is localized to a specific area of tissue damage. The primary lesion can be due to injury, necrosis, inflammation or neoplasia. Tissue damage may be due to mechanical, chemical, infectious or other factors[3]. Calcinosis circumscripta has not previously been reported in a cheetah, hence necessitating the publication of this article

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