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1 June 2012 CONSERVATIVE MANAGEMENT OF PYOTHORAX IN AN AMUR TIGER (PANTHERA TIGRIS ALTAICA)
Gabby M Schrader, Douglas P Whiteside, Owen M Slater, Sandra R Black
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Abstract

Therapy for pyothorax, or pleural empyema, has not been described for large felids. This case describes the successful treatment of pyothorax in a captive, large felid. A 15-yr-old multiparous, female Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) presented with nonspecific clinical signs caused by an insidious onset of pyothorax. Management of pyothorax cases in companion animals often involves thoracostomy tube placement with recurrent drainage of the pleural cavity, intensive supportive care, and monitoring. In this case, conservative management was elected because hospitalization was not a viable option. Thoracocentesis was performed to drain as much fluid from the chest cavity as possible, yielding more than 1.3 L. Corynebacterium sp. and unidentified anaerobic gram-positive cocci were cultured. Treatment included cefovecin subcutaneously, oral antibiotic therapy with clindamycin and marbofloxacin, meloxicam, and restricted exercise by minimizing access to the main exhibit. Significant improvement was noted clinically and radiographically 6 wk later, and no relapses were noted in the following weeks. An examination 11.5 mo later confirmed resolution.

American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
Gabby M Schrader, Douglas P Whiteside, Owen M Slater, and Sandra R Black "CONSERVATIVE MANAGEMENT OF PYOTHORAX IN AN AMUR TIGER (PANTHERA TIGRIS ALTAICA)," Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 43(2), 425-429, (1 June 2012). https://doi.org/10.1638/2011-0235.1
Received: 25 October 2011; Published: 1 June 2012
KEYWORDS
Anaerobic
Corynebacterium sp
Feline
pleural empyema
pyothorax
tiger
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