Hepatic lipidosis in two captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)‎ at Kuwait Zoo

Abstract EN

Feline hepatic lipidosis was detected in two adult male cheetahs after a prolonged state of anorexia at Kuwait zoo.

Blood and tissue samples collected for bacteriological and virological examination produced negative results.

Biochemical analysis was carried out on the serum extracted from the rest of the blood samples which indicated a state of hypoglycemia in animal #1 (51.2 mg/dl) and a high level of liver enzymes (T.billi 1.7, 0.9 mg/dl, ALP 65.4, 69.2 IU/L, AST 40, 49.4 IU/L, ALT 54.3, 53.2 IU/L), TP 11.2, 9.5 g/dl and BUN 35.2, 32.7 mg/dl in cheetah #1 and # 2, respectively.

The blood values for CRE (0.3, 1.3 mg/dl) were below normal standard values for both animals.

Animal #1 died shortly during the course of investigation and by examination of the liver it was enlarged with diffuse icteric surface and greasy texture on cut surface.

There was excessive infiltration of lipid cells into hepatocytes detected by histological examination suggesting a case of hepatic lipidosis.

Correction of feeding protocol for captive cheetahs by the provision of varied prey items to meet their nutritional requirements is necessary