Trypanosomiasis in a Tiger (Panthera tigris)

Abstract

326 Surra caused by Trypanosoma evansi is a common disease widely reported in domestic animals. However, because of its acute and fatal nature, the reports on Trypanosomiasis in wild animals are very few (Sinha et al., 1971; Choudary et al., 1986). The present communication reports a case of Trypanosomiasis in a Tiger and its successful treatment. A male adult tiger Chandu aged 9 years at Maharajbag Zoo, Nagpur was observed ill for two days with symptoms of anorexia, constipation and lethargy. There was rapid respiration, panting and with the inclination to press the head on the bars of the cage. The Tiger had convulsions once in the early morning. The efforts to give antipyretic/analgesic drugs orally with food and water failed as the tiger did not show interest in the food. Then the Tiger was shifted into a squeeze cage for closer clinical examination. Pulse was rapid (80/min) and body temperature was (106.8 0 F). The blood smears were sent to a laboratory for examination. Meanwhile, injections of Diclofenac sodium (10 ml.) and B-complex (8 ml.) were administered to the Tiger intramuscularly. The blood smear was found positive for Trypanosoma evansi infection. Berenil (total dose of 3 g.) was immediately given intramuscularly on the same day. Since the Tiger was suspected to be hypoglycemic, an injection of Dextrose 10% 500 ml. was given intravenously. The injections of Diclofenac sodium and B-complex were repeated for one day and three days respectively. The tiger was kept under close observations for about a week. The temperature recorded eight hours after treatment showed decline (103.8 0 F) and the animal gradually returned to normal on the second evening. The Tiger accepted some water on the same evening but did not show any interest in solid food. His appetite was fully restored on the fifth day after treatment with evidences of normal respiration and cessation of nasal discharge. The head pressing or convulsions were not noticed after the beginning of the treatment. The Tiger showed complete recovery and was released in to the enclosure on the sixth day.