Discovering Osteomyelitis in an Ancient Dinosaur
Paleontologists from the University of Zurich have made an intriguing discovery regarding Plateosaurus trossingensis, a prominent dinosaur from the Late Triassic period in Europe. They identified a chronic case of osteomyelitis, a severe bone tissue infection, in this early sauropodomorph dinosaur. This finding sheds light on the health challenges faced by ancient creatures.
Osteomyelitis can significantly impact an organism’s survival, leading to pain and mobility issues. This discovery not only enhances our understanding of Plateosaurus trossingensis but also emphasizes the importance of studying fossils for insights into the health of dinosaurs. Their findings contribute to our broader understanding of how these magnificent creatures lived and thrived millions of years ago.