The Harp Seal, (Pagophilus groenlandicus), (Erxleben 1777). A Radiographic Study of Skeletal Epiphyseal Fusion: Birth to One Year
IAAAM Archive
G. Sumner-Smith1, BVSC, MSc, FRCVS; P.W. Pennock1, BS, DVM, MS; K. Ronald2
1Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; 2Department of Zoology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

The fusion of the epiphyses of the manus and the pelvic girdle were studied radiographically during the first year of life of four harp seal. pups, These were compared with the appearance of the same epiphyses in 2 1/2 and 24 years old specimens. 

It was determined that all the ossification centers of the skeleton were present at the time of the first examination at one month of age. The only epiphyseal plates to complete fusion during the course of the study were those of the distal phalanges of the manus and those of the acetabulum. The fusion of the epiphyseal plates of the 2 1/2 year old seal was no further advanced.

The pelvic symphysis does not appear to fuse, even in adulthood.

URL: /doc/?id=3863312&pid=11257
66bb54ac-293a-4bdd-a928-e7e817ead234.1732225650
Speaker Information
(click the speaker's name to view other papers and abstracts submitted by this speaker)

G. Sumner-Smith, BVSC, MSc, FRCVS


URL: https://www.vin.com/doc/?id=3863312
SAID=27