Evidence of congenital block vertebra in Pleistocene Cave Bear (Ursus spelaeus) from Cueva de Guantes (Palencia, Spain)

ConclusionsThe lack of clear radiological and macroscopic evidence of degenerative processes and trauma suggests a congenital anomaly or pathology. The short height of the ventral margin of the block and evidence of a radiological ‘waist’ lead us to propose congenital block vertebra (CBV) as the most likely diagnosis.SignificanceThe Cueva de Guantes specimen would be the first reported evidence of CBV in a Pleistocene cave bear (Ursus spelaeus).LimitationsAll diagnosis of archaeological animal remains should be undertaken with caution, especially when based on partial remains, as in this case. Moreover, this specimen lacks the neural arches of C6 and C7, preventing evaluation of the vertebral foramina.Suggestions for Further ResearchIntensive review of cave bear skeletal collections is advised to find new cases and perform an epidemiological approach to the palaeopathology of cave bears.
Source: International Journal of Paleopathology - Category: Pathology Source Type: research