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Intramural coronary artery and myocardial pathology in captive tigers (Panthera tigris) and African lions (Panthera
Rebecca L Makii1, Juan Muñoz Gutiérrez1
1Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
Veterinary Pathology
|April 25, 2024
Summary
Cardiovascular disease is common in captive tigers and lions. This study found significant coronary artery lesions, including arteriosclerosis and fibrosis, in all examined animals, highlighting a critical health concern in these big cats.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Cardiovascular Science
- Wildlife Health
Background:
- Limited data exists on cardiovascular disease in nondomestic felids.
- Understanding cardiac pathology in captive tigers and lions is crucial for their welfare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and nature of cardiovascular disease in captive tigers and lions.
- To describe coronary artery pathology in these species.
Main Methods:
- Histological assessment of myocardial samples from necropsy cases.
- Utilized hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius red stains.
- Analyzed 32 submissions (15 tigers, 17 lions) over a 4-year period.
Main Results:
- All tigers and lions exhibited coronary artery lesions in the left ventricle and/or interventricular septum.
- Moderate to marked arteriosclerosis was observed in 53% of tigers and 24% of lions.
- Perivascular fibrosis and cardiomyocyte degeneration/loss were also prevalent findings.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to report coronary artery pathology in captive tigers and lions.
- Significant cardiovascular abnormalities are present in these populations.
- Further research into feline cardiac health is warranted.
