Spavin in red deer: A case study from the Early Neolithic Blagotin, Serbia
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2016
Authors
Bulatović, Jelena
Marković, Nemanja

Stevanović, Oliver
Marinković, Darko
Dimitrijević, Ivana

Krstić, Nikola
Article (Published version)

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Show full item recordAbstract
Pathological modifications are rarely observed in the remains of wild animals from archaeological sites. We present one such specific, pathological change a case of spavin in a red deer specimen from the Early Neolithic site of Blagotin, in central Serbia. The left tarsal joint presented proliferative new bone formation, which was analyzed macroscopically, then subjected to X-ray and computed tomography (CT) imaging. We assume that the initial degenerative changes in this red deer tarsal joint were probably caused by ageing, although the environment may have likely contributed to the progression of the disorder. Spavin usually results in stiffness of the joints and in lameness, perhaps contributing in the animal's capture by Neolithic hunters. This case is important in that it demonstrates that spavin is not necessarily a consequence of riding or traction work.
Keywords:
Tarsal joint disease / Spavin / Serbia / Red deer / Early Neolithic / BlagotinSource:
International Journal of Paleopathology, 2016, 14, 31-35Publisher:
- Elsevier Science Inc, New York
Funding / projects:
- Bioarchaeology of Ancient Europe: People, Animals and Plants in the Prehistory of Serbia (RS-47001)
- Urbanisation Processes and Development of Mediaeval Society (RS-177021)
- Serbian archaeology: cultural identity, integration factors, technological processes and the role of the central Balkans in the development of European prehistory (RS-177020)
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2016.04.006
ISSN: 1879-9817
PubMed: 29539526