Fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy in a Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae).
An adult, captive-born Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) had been ataxic for approximately 3 mo and had been self-mutilating after an acute onset of unilateral paresis and Homer's syndrome. Histologic lesions in the cervical spinal cord were consistent with fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy (FCEM), and they included the presence of cartilaginous occlusion of spinal blood vessels. This is the first reported case of FCEM in a large felid and specifically a Sumatran tiger.
California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System-Tulare, Tulare, Califomia 93274, USA.
John M
JM
Adaska
Susan
S
Lynch
D000818:Animals; D002335:Carnivora; D002356:Cartilage; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004617:Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000098:blood supply*; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*
D003907:Dexamethasone