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Risk Factor |
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The size and shape of antlers depends on sex, food, age, and
heredity.
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Some of the reasons that antlers exhibit abnormal growth include:
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inadequate nutrition;
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injuries to antler-growing regions on the skull;
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metabolic or hormonal deficiencies;
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abnormal fetal development;
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genetic predisposition;
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injuries to velvet;
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leg injuries.
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Images |
Click on images to enlarge. |
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Abnormal antler growth in cervids. |
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Distribution |
Geographic: |
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Antlers are unique to
cervids (deer family), and
deformities are commonly reported by hunters and wildlife
professionals throughout North America.
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Anecdotally, they are more
commonly reported in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus
virginianus) than mule deer (Odocoileus
hemionus).
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Seasonality: |
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Deformities are reported throughout the period of the year when they are
present.
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Signs and Symptoms |
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Abnormal antler growth
has been described variously as:
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oddly shaped or
located points;
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more points than
normal;
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points not originating
from “normal” positions on the rack;
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pronounced asymmetry.
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Meat Edible? |
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Discounting other disease conditions, meat from deer with abnormal antler
development is considered just as edible as from deer with normal
antler development
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Human Health Concerns and
Risk Reduction |
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There are no public health concerns associated with free-ranging
cervids with abnormal antlers.
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Samples for Diagnosis |
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Further Reading |
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