Cefovecin (Convenia) for the treatment of septic peritonitis in a female lion (Panthera leo).
An 8-yr-old intact female African lion (Panthera leo) presented with a 3-day history of lethargy, anorexia, and vomiting. Hematologic and biochemical abnormalities included a leukocytosis, 41,700/microl (4,700-15,300) with a neutrophilia (37,530/microl; 2,000-9,200) and a left shift (1,250/microl bands; 0-300), and mild hypokalemia of 2.1 mEq/L (2.8-4.8). Abdominal radiographs revealed evidence of intestinal ileus, peritonitis, and the presence of effusion. An exploratory laparotomy was performed, and septic peritonitis due to a pyometra was diagnosed. The lion was treated with an ovariohysterectomy, abdominal lavage, fluid therapy, and a subcutaneous injection of cefovecin. The lion recovered, and clinical signs associated with septic peritonitis resolved within 36 hr. It was returned to conspecifics 3 wk later. Three months postoperatively, the lion showed no residual signs of septic peritonitis.
University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA. jsteeil@utk.edu
James
J
Steeil
Juergen
J
Schumacher
Rachel
R
Seibert
Karen
K
Tobias
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000662:veterinary; D008045:Lions; D000077239:Meloxicam; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D055112:Pyometra / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D018805:Sepsis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D013843:Thiazines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D002511:Cephalosporins; D013843:Thiazines; D013844:Thiazoles; C516253:cefovecin; D000077239:Meloxicam