| Autor: |
Jania RA; Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA, rjania@lsu.edu., Kinney ME; San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Escondido, CA 92927, USA., Granger LA; Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA. |
| Abstrakt: |
Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in captive cheetahs ( Acinonyx jubatus ), and the appearance of this disease in humans by computed tomography (CT) has been well described. Contrast-enhanced CT abdominal scans of cheetahs without evidence of hepatic disease ( n = 5) were reviewed retrospectively to describe the normal appearance of cheetah livers as an aid to antemortem VOD diagnosis. Despite having no clinical signs, clinical pathology abnormalities, or hepatic biopsy histopathology supportive of VOD, all five cheetahs had at least one VOD consistent finding on CT. The results of this study suggest that given the progressive and potentially subclinical nature of VOD, CT could serve as a noninvasive screening tool and be used to monitor disease progression. |
