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Nitra 2004 APWG of the ICAZ

SLOVAK UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE IN NITRA

FACULTY OF BIOTECHNOLOGY AND FOOD SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY

ANIMAL PALAEOPATHOLOGY WORKING GROUP

ABSTRACTS

of the international conference of

the

Animal Palaeopathology Working Group

(APWG)

of the

International Council for Archaeozoology

(ICAZ)

23. – 24. September 2004Nitra, Slovakia


Scientific committee of the conference:

Hans-Peter Uerpmann, professor, DVM, Dr.

Eberhardt-Karls-Universität Tuebingen, Germany

Timothy G. Bromage, professor, Dr.

College of Dentistry, New York UniversityLászló Bartosiewicz, senior lecturer, Dr.

Loránd Eötvös University, Budapest, Hungary

Jozef Bulla, professor, Ing, DrSc.

Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovakia

Peter Massányi, associate professor, DVM, PhD.

Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovakia

Organising committee of the conference:

Marian Fabis, MVDr., PhD., Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovakia

Marcela Kramárová, Ing. PhD., Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovakia

Niels Nørkjær Johannsen, University of Aarhus, Denmark

Richard Thomas, Dr., Leicester University, United Kingdom

Linas Daugnora, acting professor, DVM, Lithuanian Veterinary Academy, Lithuania

Monika Martiniaková, RNDr., PhD., University of Constantine the Philosopher, Nitra, Slovakia

Alena Balážová, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovakia

Monika Schneidgenová, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovakia

Reviewers:

László Bartosiewicz, Dr.

Richard Thomas, Dr.

MVDr. Peter Massányi, PhD.

Zostavovatelia: doc. MVDr. Marian Fabiš, PhD.

Ing. Marcela Kramárová, PhD.

Schválil rektor SPU v Nitre dňa 14.9.2004 ako zborník abstraktov

© SPU v Nitre

ISBN 80-8069-413-3


Názov publikácie: Animal Palaeopathology Working Group (APWG) of the International Council for Archaeozoology

Typ publikácie: Recenzovaný zborník abstraktovAutori publikácie: Kolektív autorovZostavovatelia: MVDr. Marian Fabiš, PhD.

Ing. Marcela Kramárová, PhD.Vydavateľ: Slovenská poľnohospodárska univerzita v NitrePočet výtlačkov: 50Pok vydania: 2004Tlač: Vydavateľstvo SPU v NitreRukopis neprešiel redakčnou úpravou vo vydavateľstve

ISBN 80-8069-413-3


Content

Alionienė, I. 5ESTIMATION OF THE MICROSTRUCTURE OF SUIDS LONG BONES

Bartosiewicz, L. 6 SIGNS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS IN NEOLITHIC SHEEP IN HUNGARY

Bendrey, R. 7A POSSIBLE CASE OF TUBERCULOSIS OR BRUCELLOSIS IN AN IRON AGE HORSE SKELETON FROM VIABLES FARM, BASINGSTOKE, ENGLAND

Csippán P., Daróczi-Szabó, L. 8ANIMAL DISEASES FROM MEDIEVAL BUDA

Fabiš, M., Kramárová, M., Ambros, C., Páral, V. 9TRAUMATIC ALTERATIONS IN THE ANIMAL SKELETON: FRACTURES INTRAARTICULARES

Fabiš, M., Kramárová, M. 11ALTERATIONS OF CATTLE SKELETON: INDICATORS OF DRAUGHT USE IN ANIMALS FROM THE PAST

Gál, E. 13BROKEN-WINGED: RECENTLY EXCAVATED FOSSIL AND SUBFOSSIL PATHOLOGICAL BIRD BONES

Johannsen, N. N. 14MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE PHALANGES AND METAPODIALS OF BOS PRIMIGENIUS AND BOS TAURUS

Lyublyanovics, K. 15PATHOLOGY IN HORSES FROM A ROMAN CEMETERY

Makowiecki, D., Daugnora, L. 16PRELIMINARY STUDY OF PATHOLOGICAL DOGS SKULLS FROM BURIALS ROMAN INFLUENCE IN THE POLISH LOWLAND

Manaseryan, N. 18ANIMAL PALAEOPATHOLOGY IN ARMENIA

Martiniaková, M., Grosskopf, B., Vondráková, M., Omelka, R., Fabiš, M. 19IS IT POSSIBLE TO DISTINGUISH VARIOUS SPECIES OF MAMMALS ACCORDING TO THE QUALITATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPACT BONE TISSUE MICROSTRUCTURE?


Martiniaková, M., Omelka, R., Vondráková, M., Bauerová, M., Massányi, P., 20Fabiš, M.INVESTIGATION OF OSTEOPOROSIS USING ANIMAL MODELS

Miklíková, Z. 21ANIMAL SKELETAL ALTERATIONS FROM EARLY MEDIEVAL BAJČ

Miklíková, Z. 22THE DRAUGHT OX

Tassi, M. 24ANIMAL DISEASES IN A CELTIC-ROMAN VILLAGE FROM HUNGARY

Veličkaitė, S., Piličiauskienė, G., Daugnora, L. 25OBSERVED BONES PATHOLOGIES FROM LITHUANIAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

Vondráková, M. 26TWO CASES OF HUMAN OSTEOTUBERCULOSIS FROM AN AVAR PERIOD CEMETERY IN VELKY MEDER (SLOVAKIA)


ESTIMATION OF THE MICROSTRUCTURE OF SUIDS LONG BONEIngrida Alioniene

Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Lithuanian Veterinary Academy, Kaunas, Lithuania

The study of compact bone microstructure can inform researches about patterns of

adaptation vis-à-vis nutrition, activity, health and other life parameters within and between

past and present animal populations. Also the determination of animal species is important

in zooarchaeology.

This study aimed to test whether fossil bone show microscopic evidence of bone

microstructure of wild boar or domestic pig.

Samples of cortical bone were obtained from the third midmetacarpal diaphysis of

seven modern wild boars, seven modern domestic pigs and four archaeological pigs from

Kernavė. Transverse decalcified and stained according to Schmorl’s method thin (10-12

m) sections were examined. The secondary osteons content and the diameter of Haversian

canals were measured. Analysis performed on Gateway 2000 computer using the

UTHSCSA ImageTool Version 3.0 program.

The secondary osteons content was significantly lower in domestic than in wild

pigs while the diameter of Haversian canals remained similar. It is suggested that decrease

in osteons content was caused by the process of domestication and particularly by limited

locomotory activity of domestic pigs. Parameters of microstructure estimated in fossil

compact bone and recent wild boar bone were comparable. After histological examination

it was determined that fossil bone belong to wild pig species.


SIGNS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS IN NEOLITHIC SHEEP IN HUNGARYLaszlo Bartosiewicz

Department of Medieval Archaeology, Loránd Eövös University, Budapest

Periodontal disease in herbivores is often caused by overgrazing: the removal of

edible grass from pastures of limited extent, creates a vacuum often filled in by rough and

thorny weeds that are avoided by livestock under ordinary circumstances. However, the

selective destruction of good quality grass may occur in any marginal environment.

Chronic arthroses, on the other hand, are more attributable to the humid habitat that may

have been unusual for early Neolithic sheep. Arthritic deformations of the limb bones are

also often interpreted as signs of environmental stress. Exostoses, especially in limb

bones, may often be seen as symptoms of an arthritic condition, especially in relatively

young individuals. These hypotheses were tested using faunal data from Hungary.

Sheep and goat probably reached the Carpathian Basin by diffusion with the early

neolithic Körös culture, since their wild ancestors were not native to Central Europe.

These animals would have encountered a marshy habitat, which would have made their

keeping more difficult. The small size of sheep from Endrőd 119 and Ecsegfalva 23, as

well as pathological deformations suggest that they were exposed to environmental stress.


A POSSIBLE CASE OF TUBERCULOSIS OR BRUCELLOSIS IN AN IRON AGE HORSE SKELETON FROM VIABLES FARM, BASINGSTOKE, ENGLANDR. Bendrey

Department of Archaeology, University College Winchester, Sparkford Road, Winchester, Hampshire, S022 4NR, United Kingdom

A possible case of tuberculosis or brucellosis in an Iron Age horse skeleton from

Viables Farm, Basingstoke, England is described and its significance considered. The

identification of tuberculosis and brucellosis in animals is important for a number of

reasons, not least for understanding the role of these diseases in past human society, for

example tuberculosis in humans and animals was closely associated according to historical

information from the 19th and early 20th century. All domestic mammals are susceptible to

tuberculosis; however, statistics show that mainly cattle, pigs and carnivores are affected,

compared to the relatively low frequency in horses, sheep and goats. Horses (as well as

goats, sheep, pigs and cattle) are important reservoirs for brucellosis infection in humans.


ANIMAL DISEASES FROM MEDIEVAL BUDACsippán, P.1 Daróczi-Szabó, L.2

1Loránd Eötvös University of Sciences, 2Budapest History Museum

According to written documents, the castle of Buda was established on the Castle

Hill by Béla the 4th in the middle of the 13th century. During the centuries, Buda gradually

developed to become the political, commercial and military center of medieval Hungary.

Archeological research has been going on here since after World War II. One of

the most important excavations took place on the south-western part of today’s St. George

Square. This excavation covers every period of the history of Buda, from the prehistoric

ages until the 20th century. Thousands of animal bone finds turned up in this excavation.

Signs of disease and trauma could be rarely observed on the identified bones. This may be

due to the culling of sick animals, killed before the symptoms of diseases could develop in

the bones in most cases.

Osteological symptoms occur more commonly in pets (cats, dogs etc.) since these

animals had better chances of treatment and survival.

In our poster we chose pathological bone finds from three important periods of

Buda. From the end of the Árpád Period (13th century), from the Sigismund Period (14-15th

century), and the Period of the Ottoman Turkish occupation (16-17th century). Our poster

presents some pictures of healed fractures with dislocation, signs of tuberculosis,

osteoarthritis, healed fractures with false joint formation, joint inflammation etc.

These diseases are individual cases, but sometimes they may be considered

characteristic on different parts of the skeleton in a variety of animal species.


Traumatic alterations in the animal skeleton: fractures intraarticularesFabiš Marian1, Kramárová Marcela1, Ambros Cyril2, Páral Václav3

1 Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Slovakia2 Chrenová ul. XY, Nitra3 Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary and Pharmaceutical University, Brno, Czech republic

Traumatic injuries represent a constant type of palaeopathological finds among

archaeozoological remains. Traumatic alterations may be inflicted on the animal skeleton

can happen in many ways – fighting for territory, females or food, hitting an obstacle,

falling, etc. Traumatic events may result in the fracture of bone(s) limiting the chances of

survival for the animal. Fractures can alter various parts of the skeleton and differ in their

characteristics.

Fractures that alter the constituents of joints, termed fractures intraarticulares,

represent a special type. Such fractures are often incomplete; mostly represented by

abfractio, a condition when portions of bone of various size and shape break off of the

altered bone.

In nature, without appropriate therapeutic intervention (aimed at repositioning and

stabilizing the separated bone parts), the prognosis of such fractures is negative or at least

suspect. Healing of such traumas usually leads to the development of pseudoarthrosis

and/or nearthrosis, when the separated bone fractions do not fuse and remain mobile to a

certain degree against each other, sometimes forming even a new joint like structure.

This paper provides information on intraarticular fractures detected in

archaeozoological materials of Slovakian provenience. Such fractures were identified on

pig calcaneus, bovine astragalus, pelvic acetabulum of horse, and horse vertebrae. These

finds date from the Eneolithic, through the Bronze Age, up to the Avar period in the 1 st.

millennium B.C.

All bones presented here show signs of healing but they all healed incorrectly. This

resulted in the appearance of the accompanying clinical symptoms. These include incorrect

conformation of the altered skeletal parts or extremities, and also limping of various stages.

In the case of the broken epiphyses of horse vertebrae, we would expect somehow rigid,

perhaps painful walk or movement, but there might be also no clinical signs indicating the

condition.


ALTERATIONS OF CATTLE SKELETON: INDICATORS OF DRAUGHT USE IN ANIMALS FROM THE PAST (REVIEW OF THE CURRENT STATE OF KNOWLEDGE)Fabiš Marian, Kramárová Marcela

Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovakia

The domestication of animals brought many benefits to our predecessors, including

a possibility to use the enormous physical power of animals in hard work. The

transportation of heavy burdens or humans themselves, and/or plowing are important

examples. Such work exploitation represents stress which is not physiological in the

animals. If the exploitation extends through the major part of the animal’s life, it is usually

accompanied by changes in the musculo- skeletal apparatus and its constituents. As most

of the archaeozoological remains are bones, it is possible to sporadically find skeletal

elements which are pathologically altered as a consequence of work exploitation. These

finds, in addition to indirect evidence such as iconographic representations, written

information etc., may be considered direct indications of using draught animals.

Our contribution attempts to review the current knowledge and suggestions of

archaeozoologists regarding skeletal pathological alterations in cattle exploited for traction

work. Particular alterations of the cattle skeleton are illustrated by representative finds of

Slovakian provenience, dating through the Eneolithic (Svodin) and LaTène Periods (Nitra

– Šindolka, Nitra – Malý seminár) up to the Middle Ages (Nitra – tržnica).

Among the finds there are examples of horn core deformations resulting from the

attachment of yokes, alterations in the phalanges (exostoses, broadenings of the articular

surfaces, arthrotic changes) and metapodials (broadenings of the trochlea articularis), as

well as arthritic changes of the acetabulum pelvis and caput femoris. Other examples of

palaeopathology include alterations of the back bone, particularly arthritic changes of the

lumbal vertebrae, but also developmental anomalies of lumbal vertebrae resulting from

traction work in a physically immature individual. Presence of the increased number of

secondary osteons in the plantar section of metatarsals in draught oxen may be considered

a specific indication of work exploitation. This find is in sharp contrast with the very rare

occurrence of secondary osteons in the identical part of the skeleton in cattle (bulls), not

used in traction work. Our suggestion is that the increased number of secondary osteons in

the described part of the metapodials resulted from remodeling of the numerous

microfractures of the originally plexiform bone tissue. The microcracks representing so


called fatigue fractures can result from repeated excessive loading of the bone(s) that

accompanies draught exploitation.

All these changes, when correctly identified and diagnosed, can be considered as

indicators of work exploitation of animals by our predecessors.


BROKEN-WINGED: RECENTLY EXCAVATED FOSSIL AND SUBFOSSIL PATHOLOGICAL BIRD BONESErika GálInstitute of Archaeology – Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 49 Úri, 1014 Budapest, Hungary

Recently excavated fossil and subfossil avian finds from Hungary, Romania and the

Ukraine presented various pathological conditions that are studied in this paper. The most

characteristic damage to bird bones is fractures, of which the degree and mode of healing

present a great variety. In our material, Alpine Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus) ulna and

tarsometatarsus from the Late Pleistocene ‘mega trap’ Emine Bair Khozar (Ukraine),

Hooded Crow (Corvus corone) ulna from the Roman Period villa settlement Balatonlelle –

Kenderföldek and Domestic Hen (Gallus domesticus) ulna from the 17th century Szendrő –

Upper Castle (Hungary) showed slight deformations, while the humerus of domestic duck

(Anas domesticus) from the Medieval Teleki Palace in Budapest (Hungary) presented

heavy fractures, healed by a callus bridge. In all cases the wounds resulted in the

shortening of the skeletal parts.

Mechanical trauma injuries were also noticed on the Hooded Crow skulls excavated

from the Roman Period site Balatonlelle – Kenderföldek and from the Turkish Period

Bajcsa Fortress (Hungary). These small traumas were probably caused by the beaks of

other birds during intra- or inter-specific conflicts. The ossified haematoma observed on

the Crane (Grus grus) tarsometatarsus found at the Iron Age (La Tène) settlement

Balatonkeresztúr – Réti dülő is probably the result of a contusion.

Another group of avian condition are the malformations caused by pathogenic

agents that affect poultry rather than wild fowl and spread more easily in domestic stock.

The partial skeleton of a domestic hen excavated from the Medieval Teleki Palace in

Budapest provides an example of the dense bone growth, osteopetrosis, which is caused by

the avian leucosis group (ALV).


MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE PHALANGES AND METAPODIALS OF BOS PRIMIGENIUS AND BOS TAURUSNiels Nørkjær Johannsen

Department of Prehistoric Archaeology, University of Aarhus, Denmark

Knowledge about the incidence of specific pathologies in animals with known or

partially known living conditions forms a necessary basis for claims about the causality of

pathologies in zooarchaeological samples. This underlines the necessity of systematic

studies of large samples of suitable comparative material. Potential causes for a

morphological abnormality observed in the zooarchaeological record often relate to

conditions under which an animal has lived. Therefore, an important aspect of the

comparative issue is awareness of the similarities and differences between the known

living conditions of comparative populations and the assumed living conditions of animals

contributing to the archaeological samples in question. This paper presents and discusses

different types of comparative material relevant to the study of the earliest use of draught

cattle, including both aurochs and modern domestic cattle. It is clear that there are

potential problems with all of these types of material, and this stresses the utility of

incorporating several lines of evidence. Furthermore, the paper discusses the motoric

character of draught work and the physiological processes that may lead to certain changes

in skeletal morphology.


PATHOLOGY IN HORSES FROM A ROMAN CEMETARYKyra Lyublyanovics

Institute for Archaeology, Loránd Eötvös University, Budapest, Hungary

Two complete horse skeletons came to light during the excavations of a 2nd

century ad roman cemetary on 96 Bécsi Road, Budapest. The animals were buried

together as a sacrifice with parts of a wagon. The coach was burned before it was buried.

The horses were found as articulated skeletons, lying upon each other. The method of

slaughter is unclear since no butchery marks could be found on the bones.

Both animals were mares. The age of the horses was identified on the basis of the

incisors and the ossification of the epiphysis with the older individual being 18 years old

while the other had completed her 42nd month. There are some pathological changes on

the bones of the younger individual. They do not seem to be very serious, but are

interesting because they are similar to pathologies found on very old animals and are

distributed across the whole skeleton. There are exostoses on the caudal sides of the radii,

on the planages proximales and on the hooves; exostoses are also present on the spina

ischiadica (both sides). The exostoses are compact with uneven surfaces. There was a

fracture resulting in a slight dislocation of the right mandible. The ramus is thickened

with a number of small exostoses, similar to pin-heads, on both sides. All the tuberosities

of the long bones are thickened. These phenomena may be symptoms of a disease that

originally damaged other organs, with the changes on the bones a consequence of

metastasis.

Similar, but less ambiguous, pathological phenomena were also found on the bones

of the other individual, but in this case these must be considered a consequence of age.

On the basis of their stature and size, the animals belong to the Roman “military”

horse type described by Bökönyi. It seems to be logical that the animals were sacrified

because they were no longer useful for work, or because they were either too old or

diseased.


PRELIMINARY STUDY OF PATHOLOGICAL DOGS SKULLS FROM BURIALS ROMAN INFLUENCE IN THE POLISH LOWLANDDaniel Makowiecki1, Linas Daugnora2

1 Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, PL 60-814, Poznan, Zwierzyniecka 20, Poland2 Lithuanian veterinary academy, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Tilžės 18, LT - 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania

Finds of dog skeletons on the area of Poland are known almost from all

settlement in the prehistoric times. The most many-sided elaboration of dog burials from

Kuiavia is the publication of M. Talarczyk-Andralojc (1993). In it she described 158 dog

burials dated from the 1st century BC to the 4-5 th c. AD originated from Kuiavia. The

burials were uncovered in the settlements of the so called Przeworsk Culture. From the

mentioned number (158), the majority of burials (94) were found on the area of sanctuaries

and temples, 12 were found in settlements and 1 originated from a cemetery. A

characteristic feature of that period were the finds of almost exclusively unburned whole

dogs. The remaining skeletons dated to the Roman Period were found in a different

archaeological context. They were discovered mainly inside the settlements (43), in some

cases in pits (3), but sporadically in ritual places. Similarly, as in the sites mentioned

above, the dogs were complete and unburned. Most of the skeletons have different

pathologies.In our report we are dealing only with cranium, as a pilot study. We intent to

continue the research with spread to postcranial elements. We expect that after presentation

our results during the meeting it is some discussion and comments, which will support us

in future work on the subject. It was determined on examination that the skeletons found in

Inowrozlaw, Lojewo, Jacewo, Pzedbojewice, Krusza Zamkowa, Konary and Janikowo

sites was an 1 -6 year female and male dogs.A total of 70 dog skulls showed some

pathologies.

Periodontal disease, trauma, asymmetric of the skull, dental caries, infections and

anomalies of eruption, resorptions and abrasions were main pathologies. There were also

cases of polyodontia, abscess, ante - mortem tooth loss, osteoperiostitis and mandibular

osteomyelitis.

Widespread alveolar recession accompanied by symptoms of periodontal disease was

detected in 19 skulls, polyodontia was observed in 8 skulls, ante-mortem tooth loss was

found in 14 skull and so were caries observed in 4 skulls.

While skulls had abscess chambers in the alveolar cavity were noticed only in the

four skulls.Macro-anatomical examination of the skulls show a dorsal notch in the foramen


magnum of the two skull and in five skulls was found severe fractures in the parietal and

frontal bones. It can be seen that in the facial snout injures cases was found in seven skulls.

This area of the head seems most likely to be struck by humans to stave off

agressive behaviuor on the part of the animal or for other reasons of control or rebuke. The

thinness of the bones of the snout and sinus area would also ensure easy fracturing if the

blow was at all severe.

The deformation of teeth and hard palate indicated that these animals were poorly

nourished.


ANIMAL PALAEOPATHOLOGY IN ARMENIAManaseryan, N.

Institute of Zoology, The National Academy of Sciences of the Republic Armenia.

Pathological changes on 25 skulls of Bos sp. gathered from the Holocene natural

bone deposits on the Northwest shore of Lake Sevan, are studied. The wave-cut zone is

of 500 m length and about 50-60 m wide. Mixed with diagonal sand layers there are bone

remains of animals representing various species. The remains of the following animals

were identified: Cervus elaphus, Canis lupus, Vulpes vulpes and Sus sp. The skulls and

horn cores belonging to the Bovidae family prevail. The marks of various diseases and

injuries observed on them are of great interest.


IS IT POSSIBLE TO DISTINGUISH VARIOUS SPECIES OF MAMMALS ACCORDING TO THE QUALITATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPACT BONE TISSUE MICROSTRUCTURE?

Martiniaková, M.1, Grosskopf, B.2, Vondráková, M.1, Omelka, R3 and

Fabiš, M.4

1Department of Zoology and Anthropology, University of Constantine the Philosopher, Nitra, Slovakia 2Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, George August University, Göttingen, Germany3Department of Botany and Genetics, University of Constantine the Philosopher, Nitra, Slovakia 4Department of Animal Physiology, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovakia

Histological methods used in the study of human bones are helpful in the estimation

of the physical age at death, detection of pathological conditions and other valuable

information of the individual whose bone(s) is(are) studied. With respect to animal bones,

the current trend is to use histological methods for taxonomic identification. The authors

of this paper provide information about their research focused on the study of qualitative

microscopic characteristics of mammal bones. The study focuses on the femur of the

following species: Homo sapiens, Bos taurus, Sus scrofa domestica, Ovis aries,

Oryctolagus cuniculi, Rattus norvegicus. The human femur is characterised by dense

Haversian tissue while the basic structural pattern of femoral compact bone in pig, cow,

and sheep is the primary vascular plexiform. Non-vascular bone tissue was identified at

the endosteal and periosteal borders in the cow femur. In sheep, the Haversian tissue

appeared at the periosteal border. The basic structural pattern of the diaphysis of the rabbit

femur microstructure is the primary vascular longitudinal form, while in rats it is non-

vascular bone tissue.

Our results correspond with those reported by other researchers. Plexiform bone

tissue was typical for long bones of the large and medium sized mammals (the cow, pig,

and sheep) while this tissue was not found in small mammals (the rabbit and rat).

Based on our results it seems that analysis of the qualitative characteristics of the mammal

compact bone tissue might be used as an appropriate help to identify species. As a more

precise method for the taxonomical identification, however, a combination of qualitative

and quantitative characteristics study is suggested.


INVESTIGATION OF OSTEOPOROSIS USING ANIMAL MODELSMartiniaková, M.1 - Omelka, R.2 - Vondráková, M.1 - Bauerová, M.2 - Massányi, P.3 - Fabiš, M.3

1Department of Zoology and Anthropology, 2Department of Botany and Genetics, Constantine the Philosopher University, Nitra, Slovakia, 3Department of Animal Physiology, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovakia

Osteoporosis is a great medical and socio-economic problem. It is defined by decreased

bone mineral density, degenerative microarchitectural changes of bone tissue and an

increased fracture risk. Numerous studies have documented the presence of osteoporosis in

ancient human remains. On the other hand, such studies have yet to be carried out on

animal bone finds.

The principal use for animal models of osteoporosis is to provide efficient experimental

environments in which bone cells function within their intermediary organizations of

modeling and remodeling. The 6- to 9 -month old female rat is the animal model of choice

to mimick tissue level findings in humans. These animals are near peak bone mass and can

be manipulated to simulate accurately most clinical findings of osteoporosis in the adult

female skeleton. The ovariectomed mouse is an accurate model for tissue-level bone

changes when low doses of 17-β estradiol are used for replacement. Estrogen deficient

nonhuman primates are currently the large animals of choice for quantitative histologic

evaluation of Haversian remodeling. Their extensive Haversian remodeling makes the

study of cortical bone relevant. The use of nonhuman primates in nonterminal studies using

bone resorption markers may offer an excellent opportunity for future investigations.

Small animals are poor models for glucocorticoid-induced osteopenia. Larger

animals such as rabbits and dogs are acceptable, but do not replicate well the usually

coexistent condition of estrogen deficiency. Aged male rats model all aspects of male

osteoporosis well except for aspects connected with cortical bone remodeling.


ANIMAL SKELETAL ALTERATIONS FROM EARLY MEDIEVAL BAJČZora Miklíková

Archaeological Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Akademická 2, 949 21 Nitra, Slovakia.

The aim of the study is to provide a macro-morphological description of skeletal

alterations found within an archaeofaunal assemblage, to classify them according to the

identified bone changes and to discuss their possible causes. Samples under the study

come from the largest archaeozoological assemblage from medieval Slovakia, which was

collected during the complex excavation of the rural settlement in Bajč - Medzi Kanálmi

(southwestern Slovakia). A distinctive character of the settlement is the relatively high

proportion of features that contained complete or nearly complete animal skeletons

enabling the detailed analysis of each individual. The remainder of the material consists of

fragmented bones that represent typical settlement food debris. The majority of animal

bones belong to domestic mammals, dominated by cattle and ovicaprids. More than10000

specimens have been identified to date, among which 43 skeletal elements with

pathological bone changes were found, representing less than 1% of the entire

archaeofaunal assemblage. The evaluation of the pathological findings was undertaken

macroscopically, although some of the bones need to be studied radiographically and

molecular-genetic techniques are planned to investigate one specimen. The observed bone

changes can be categorised into the following groups of pathological conditions: trauma

and infected wounds, lesions of the joints and dental lesions. Possible cases of infectious

disease and tumour are also discussed.

Computer Centre, 03/01/-1,

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THE DRAUGHT OXZora Miklíková

Archaeological Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Akademická 2, 949 21 Nitra, Slovakia, E-mail: [email protected]

In 1987-1994, a complex excavation was carried out at the rural medieval settlement

in Bajč-Medzi kanálmi (Komárno District, southwestern Slovakia). This site occupied an

area of 35 000 m2 on the former peninsula (island?), which was surrounded by the Žitava

river. The highest density of occupation at the site dates to the 6 th–11th c. AD. A total of

551 archaeological features have been distinguished by function: houses/semi-subterranean

huts, exterior clay ovens, shallow and deep storage pits, roasting pits, further unspecified

pits and a system of canals. Ongoing analysis of the faunal remains from the site has – to

date – yielded the largest bone collection from Slovakia (>10 thousand fragments) dating

to early medieval times.

The majority of animal bones belong to domestic mammals, dominated by cattle and

caprines. Along with these, a wide range of both wild and domestic species was identified.

Complete or almost complete animal skeletons of 47 individuals deposited in pits and

houses are typical for the 8th – 10th phase of settlement occupation. In many cases we have

deposits with articulated animal skeletons of young or very young animal, which leads us

to interpret them as ritual deposits, such as animal- or construction sacrifices. Some of the

articulated horse and dog skeletons may be considered animal burials.

In addition to traces of intentional human activity such as butchering and bone

manufacturing, we documented rare bone pathologies. Such evidence can provide

interesting information on the life history of the animal. In the area of the house (feature

715) dated to the AD 8th – 9th c., a pit with unknown function was excavated. Among other

animal bone refuse, a part of the cattle backbone was deposited. Six lumbar vertebrae and

the cranial part of the sacrum belonged to one individual, older than eight years. The size

of the well-preserved vertebrae was, in comparison to other cattle remains from the site,

considerably large, so it is highly probable the animal was a castrated male. Pathological

alternations appeared on every vertebra; the worst bone changes affecting the last lumbar

(L6) and first sacral vertebrae (S1). The edges of the processus articularis caudalis are

widened in all cases, having developed a lip-like structure. In some cases they are forming

a bone block with processi mamilloarticularis on attached vertebra. Pitting and numerous

perforations disturb the caudal surface of the body of the sixth lumbar vertebra and the


cranial articular surface of the basis ossis sacri. Areas of dense, highly polished bone –

eburnation – are also present. The articular surfaces of L6 and S1 are surrounded by

exostoses. The pathological lesions described above are associated with the condition

called spondylarthrosis or spondylosis deformans et ankylopoetica. The causal factors

behind such bone changes are variable and may be a combination of aging, inflammation,

malnutrition, trauma, or overloading. On the basis of a very similar archaeofaunal find of

bone pathology, recently it has been suggested, that such lesions could have developed as a

result of draught use. Identical changes were identified on the cattle backbone of castrated

male found in Svodín, SW Slovakia. The ox skeleton was found in one of the cattle burials

of the Baden culture settlement of the site (Aeneolithic period). It seems very likely that

identical pathological changes of another ox from Bajč developed under the same life

conditions, so that the animal was used in traction. Unfortunately, no other parts of the ox

skeleton was recovered from the pit and we could not say whether there were other bone

changes related to this condition. Nevertheless, this is another important find in an

expanding, worldwide palaeopathological database and the direct evidence of the presence

of working oxen at the site during its Slavic occupation (8th – 9th c. AD).


ANIMAL DISEASES IN A CELTIC-ROMAN VILLAGE FROM HUNGARYTassi, M.

Loránd Eötvös University, Budapest

Recently, numerous excavations have preceded the construction of motorways in

Hungary. Archaeological research at the site of Balatonlelle-Kenderföldek took place

within the framework of this nationwide project.

Excavatations were carried out during 2002, over an area of 39,000 square meters. According to archaeological evidence, this settlement was continuously inhabited between the late neolithic and the roman period. Ninety-two percent of the some 14,000 animal bones originate from the celtic and roman occupations of the site. These two occupations, however, cannot be separated since, according to archaeological evidence, the celtic rural settlement was occupied for several centuries. Celts became, eventually, „romanized“ and inhabited the settlement until the middle of the ad 3rd century.

Although cattle was represented by the greatest number of identifiable bones at this site, the majority of pathologically deformed bones originate from dogs. This is fully understandable, since most meat-purpose animals were killed before chronic osteopathies could have developed in them. The average life expectancy of dogs tends to be significantly longer than that of these animals, which made possible both the development of chronic conditions and the healing of trauma in the case of dogs. In addition to dog, pathological bones of cattle and pig, the best represented domestic species, also occurred sporadically. Pathological phenomena observed on pig bone are of special interest, since these single meat- purpose animals have the shortest life expectancy of all domestic ungulates.

The majority of bones displayed simple or compound, infected fractures. In the case of two bones, the infection and subsequent inflammation were caused by trauma. Symptoms of tuberculosis were identified on two dog skeletons.


OBSERVED BONES PATHOLOGIES FROM LITHUANIAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES Snieguolė Veličkaitė, Giedrė Piličiauskienė and Linas Daugnora

Lithuanian Veterinary Academy, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Tilžės 18, LT- 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania

The aim of this paper is to present evidence for the pathological alteration of animal

bones from a range of archaeological sites in Lithuania. The data for the investigation

derive from the upper town of Kernavė, (12th to 14th century), Vilnius lower castle (14th

to 15th century), Vilnius old town (15th to 16th century), Jaučiakiai (10th to 13th century),

and a Napoleonic soldiers’ cemetery in Vilnius dated to 1812.

The investigation of the bones of horses, cattle, sheep/goats and dogs revealed three

pathological prone regions: the feet (metacarpal and tarsal/metatarsal region and

interphalangeal joint), vertebra (especially the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae) and the

mandible


TWO CASES OF HUMAN OSTEOTUBERCULOSIS FROM AN AVAR PERIOD CEMETERY IN VELKY MEDER (SLOVAKIA)Mária Vondráková

Uviversity of Constantine the Philosopher in Nitra, SlovakiaThe aim of this paper is to report the details concerning two cases of human

osteotuberculosis from an Avar period cemetery (7th-8th century AD) in Velky Meder –

Vamostelek (Slovakia). The assemblage from this cemetery consists of the well preserved

skeletons of 130 people.

Within this population we have found one of the early manifestation of tuberculosis in

a young man`s spine, from grave 13, with multiple resorptive pits on the anterior aspect of the

horacic and lumbar vertebral bodies and one advanced tuberculous process in a mature

woman`s spine, from grave 1, with presence of vertebral collapse and kyphosis. Both samples

were sent for molecularbiological analysis.

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