Bone lesions in three tree kangaroos.

THIS REPORT deals with 3 cases of proliferative disease of the bone in Matschie tree kangaroos (Dendrolagus matschiei) at the National Zoological Park. The osseous lesions had similar radiographic manifestations but dissimilar causes. One kangaroo had tuberculous osteomyelitis of the vertebral column and radius; the 2nd had a chondrosarcoma of the vertebral column and femur; and the 3rd had bilateral ulnar periosteal proliferation due to trauma. Clinical signs included partial or total disuse of one or more limbs in each case. Radiographic lesions involved an extremity in each case and the vertebral column in 2 cases. The difficulties in arriving at an accurate clinical diagnosis are discussed.