Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the recognized gold standard for diagnostic imaging of the central nervous system in human and veterinary patients. Information on the use of this modality and possible imaging abnormalities in captive non-domestic felids is currently limited to individual case reports or small case series. This retrospective study provides information on technique and imaging findings in a cohort of cases undergoing MRI at an academic Veterinary Medical Center. The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine MRI database was searched for non-domestic felids undergoing MRI of the brain or spine from 2008 to 2021. Medical record data were recorded, and MRI studies were reviewed. Fifty animals met the inclusion criteria. The most common brain diseases were Chiari-like malformation (n = 8) and inflammatory conditions (n = 8). Other abnormalities included pituitary lesions (n = 5), brain atrophy (n = 2), and one each of metabolic and traumatic conditions. Fourteen animals had a normal brain MRI study. The most common spinal abnormality was intervertebral disc disease (n = 7). Other disorders included vertebral dysplasia (n = 2), presumptive ischemic myelopathy (n = 1), subdural ossification causing spinal cord compression (n = 1), and multiple myeloma (n = 1). Spinal cord swelling of undetermined cause was suspected in two animals, and seven patients had a normal MRI study of the spine. MRI is a valuable tool in the diagnostic workup of non-domestic felids with presumptive neurologic disease.
Highlights
With the exception of Chiari-like malformation and degenerative intervertebral disc disease, publications on diseases of the central nervous system in non-domestic felids are generally scarce and mostly consist of post mortem data, small case series, and individual case reports
Animals included in a large retrospective case series on brain lesions in captive non-domestic felids identified on autopsy [15] were included, as diagnostic imaging was not part of this prior publication
One cheetah and one tiger belonged to zoological institutions, and the three servals, one caracal and one lion were privately owned
Summary
With the exception of Chiari-like malformation and degenerative intervertebral disc disease, publications on diseases of the central nervous system in non-domestic felids are generally scarce and mostly consist of post mortem data, small case series, and individual case reports. An ante-mortem diagnosis of brain or spinal disease typically requires some form of diagnostic imaging. Radiography is readily accessible and may provide helpful information especially in the evaluation of osseous structures (skull and vertebrae), e.g., in cases of trauma [1]. Computed tomography (CT) is increasingly available in zoological institutions and sanctuaries and has the advantage of rapid image acquisition resulting in short anesthesia times [2]. CT is the gold standard for the evaluation of bony structures but has limitations in soft tissue imaging. Myelography involving the injection of contrast medium into the subarachnoid space
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
