Clinical management of trypanosomiasis in tiger cub: A case report

Abstract

Trypanosomiasis has been reported in large feline population from India and has been responsible for mortality in number of animals of rare species. The present report describes a case of fulminant trypanosomiasis in 10-month old male tiger cub showing high fever, nervous signs involving head pressing, delirium beside vomiting. Trypanosomes were observed in both thick and thin smear of blood. Hematological examination showed total leucocyte count within normal range, severe left shift with 50% of immature band cells and possibility of DIC (severe thrombocytopenia). Uneventfully but far timely management and therapy of animal should have succumb to trypanosomiasis as massive parasitemia and nervous signs were indicator of bad prognosis. Single dose of berenil containing Diminazene aceturate as active ingredient, was injected along with supportive therapy at recommended dose rate for treatment of sick tiger cub.