Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in a captive lion (Panthera leo): case report

Abstract

Spontaneous idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) was observed in a captive felid. Very little is known of this condition in captive wildlife. Conventional diagnostic tools including histological techniques were often employed in the diagnosis. This communication presents the first case of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in a captive lion in Ibadan, Nigeria. The lion was recumbent and inactive with random episodes of dyspnoea. On necropsy, the carcass was in a poor body condition. Grossly, the lung was non-collapsed, mottled and rubbery to firm in texture with numerous fine nodules (1–3 mm diameter). Cytology showed abundance of mononuclear cells. There was diffuse alveolar damage, interstitial and intra-alveolar fibrosis and marked proliferation of fibroblasts with multiple myofibroblastic foci in interstitium and airspaces. The cause of IPF could not be easily ascertained; however, it is known that certain environmental factors and exposures to allergens increase the risk in man and cats. This report would further improve the screening of wildlife health.