Successful management of Trypanosoma spp. in a royal Bengal tigress (Panthera tigris tigris)

Abstract

A female Tigress, approximately three years old, was rescued from C.N. 1168, Halda beat, Brahmapuri Division after being trapped in a man-animal conflict. She was rehabilitated and placed in a quarantine cell at the Gorewada Rescue Centre for further care and management. During the quarantine period, the Tigress exhibited lethargy, loose feces, and frequent yawning. Clinical examination revealed a high-grade fever of 104.5°F, hyperemia of the vaginal and anal mucous membranes, and mild rectal bleeding. Hematological analysis indicated a low platelet count of 71 x 10³/µl, moderately low hemoglobin levels at 9.4 g/dl, and macrocytic, normochromic anemia. Serum biochemistry showed elevated globulin levels of 4.7 g/dl, mildly low sodium levels, and low glucose levels at 25 mg/dl. Blood smear examination was positive for Trypanosoma spp. The tigress was treated with 10% Dextrose intravenously, followed by Triquin at 4.4 mg/kg body weight subcutaneously. The tigress made an uneventful recovery.