Diagnosis and treatment of a cerebral infarct in a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes).
A 29-yr-old chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) presented after an acute onset of right facial and forearm paresis that progressed to paralysis within 24 hr, with subsequent development of right leg paresis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head revealed an abnormal region of increased signal intensity in the left frontal, parietal, and temporal cerebral hemispheres, corresponding to the vascular territory of the middle cerebral artery, with resultant compression of the left lateral ventricle. The findings were consistent with a cerebral infarct (stroke). MRI is the most sensitive test for early detection of cerebral changes due to ischemia and was essential in obtaining a diagnosis in this case. The chimpanzee responded well to treatment with long-term anticoagulant aspirin and a short, tapered course of prednisone and regained full gross motor function.
Fish
Pilar H
PH
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA.
Carpenter
James W
JW
Kraft
Susan
S
D000818:Animals; D018420:Ape Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D002679:Pan troglodytes; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D001241:Aspirin