Arnold-Chiari malformation in a captive African lion cub.
Progressive ataxia, delayed growth, dementia and tremors were noted in a female African lion (Panthera leo) cub at the Tel-Aviv Ramat-Gan Zoological Center (Israel). The lioness was 3-mo-old when clinical signs were first noticed. Repeated neurological evaluations and blood tests were conducted in an attempt to establish a diagnosis. A congenital abnormality was suspected and the lioness died 6 molater. Post mortem examination revealed an Arnold-Chiari malformation. The abnormality was classified as a Chiari type 2 malformation, based on the herniation of the cerebellar vermis and paravermis and the slight caudal displacement of the medulla, combined with lack of displacement in other parts of the brainstem.
Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel. shamir@agri.huji.ac.il
M H
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Shamir
I H
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Horowitz
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Yakobson
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Ofri
D000818:Animals; D001139:Arnold-Chiari Malformation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D001259:Ataxia / Q000662:veterinary; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D003704:Dementia; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D008045:Lions / Q000002:abnormalities*; D008297:Male; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000662:veterinary; D014202:Tremor / Q000662:veterinary