Palaeopathological analysis of a Chilean gomphothere (Proboscidea: Gomphotheriidae)

Objective Re-evaluate the pathological lesions found on a gomphothere recovered from Quebrada Quereo (Late Pleistocene), Coquimbo region, Chile (31o55'41” S, 71o34'43” W, 20 masl). Materials 227 axial and appendicular specimens from a young adult male individual (SGO.PV.267). Methods Macroscopic and radiographic analysis. Results Pathological conditions identified included asymmetries of a cervical vertebra and of thoracic vertebra 16, degenerative joint disease in thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, possible evidence of neoplastic lesions within the bodies of three thoracic vertebrae (possibly hemangiomas), and fusion at thoracic vertebrae 15 and 16, suggesting the presence of spondyloarthropathy. Conclusions The original diagnosis of traumatic lesions on this specimen is unsupported. The re-evaluation identified the presence of developmental defects, degenerative joint disease, possible neoplastic lesions, and spondyloartropathy. Significance The present analysis adds data to the sparse paleopathological record of South American gomphotheres. Limitations Taphonomic alteration of some skeletal elements, as well as the presence of an incomplete individual, limits the ability to determine the etiology of some of the lesions identified. Suggestions for further research Researchers are encouraged to re-examine specimens curated in museums in order to identify pathological conditions that might have been overlooked or might benefit from re-evaluation.