Inflammatory myopathy in a captive Bengal tiger.
A 9-year-old female Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) was presented with a history of progressive hindlimb weakness and muscle atrophy. Serum muscle enzyme activities were high, and electrophysiologic examination suggested an underlying myopathic process. Muscle biopsy revealed an inflammatory myopathy, with multifocal collections of inflammatory cells. There was severe muscle fiber necrosis with some evidence of regeneration. The cellular infiltrate consisted predominantly of macrophages, with a few lymphocytes and plasma cells. Evidence of parasitism or viral infection was not detected. Despite prolonged corticosteroid therapy, there was no clinical improvement or notable decrease in serum muscle enzymes activities. The tiger was euthanatized, and necropsy revealed generalized muscle inflammation, with no other pertinent findings.
D000818:Animals; D002335:Carnivora; D005260:Female; D007249:Inflammation / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D009220:Myositis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*