jikohr Posted October 23, 2023 Share Posted October 23, 2023 Hi Everyone! I acquired this Kem Kem gem a few months ago. I'm pretty certain that it's a Spinosaurid Caudal, which would have been really cool by itself since it's one of the better ones I've seen, but what really sticks out (or in) is a very large unique looking hole on one side. The bone is about 9.6 cm long and hole by itself is roughly 3.5 x 2.7 cm wide and 1.3 cm deep. Damage on Kem Kem material isn't uncommon, but the bone surface flows into the hole as if it was made before fossilization. The big question I have (aside from a second opinion that I'm not just seeing something much cooler than what is there), is pre or post mortem and potential causes. I don't think it's a bite mark. While I have seen really big Spino teeth with that cross section there isn't any damage to the other side and I feel like a tooth that size would punch a hole straight through the bone rather than just leave a 1.3 cm deep hole. Same with potential injury from a large spike of some sort. I don't think it's cancer since there's no excess growth. The main thing that comes to my mind is a really nasty infection with a large abscess, potentially caused by a minor injury that got infected (Spinos loved swimming in some nasty swamps after all). But as with any claim like that it's pretty important to seek out a second opinion. So what do you all think? Any insight is appreciated as always! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FB003 Posted October 23, 2023 Share Posted October 23, 2023 I think the best you can do is call it damage. Not sure there is any substance to justify calling it anything else, accurately. It's definitely a very nice piece anyone would be happy to have (I know I would!) but I don't think there is enough there to say what the hole is or is not. Just my two cents. *Frank* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TyBoy Posted October 23, 2023 Share Posted October 23, 2023 Agree not much evidence to support any conclusions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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