Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae): A review of conservation status

The majority of wild Sumatran tigers are believed to live in 12 Tiger Conservation Landscapes covering approximately 88 000 km². However, the actual distribution of tigers across Sumatra has never been accurately mapped. Over the past 20 years, conservation efforts focused on the Sumatran tigers have increased, but the population continues to decline as a result of several key threats. To identify the status of the Sumatran tiger distribution across the island, an island-wide questionnaire survey comprised of 35 respondents from various backgrounds was conducted between May and June 2010. The survey found that Sumatran tigers are positively present in 27 habitat patches larger than 250 km² and possibly present in another 2. In addition, a review on major published studies on the Sumatran tiger was conducted to identify the current conservation status of the Sumatran tiger. Collectively, these studies have identified several key factors that have contributed to the decline of Sumatran tiger populations, including: forest habitat fragmentation and loss, direct killing of tigers and their prey, and the retaliatory killing of tigers due to conflict with villagers. The present paper provides management authorities and the international community with a recent assessment and a base map of the actual distribution of Sumatran tigers as well as a general overview on the current status and possible future conservation challenges of Sumatran tiger management.     

Paresis secondary to an extradural hematoma in a Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae).

A 15-yr-old female Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) was presented to the Boren Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at Oklahoma State University with a 3-wk history of progressive hind limb weakness. Neurologic evaluation was limited to review of videotape that demonstrated weakness and ataxia with conscious proprioceptive deficits of the tiger's pelvic limbs. Spinal radiography demonstrated disc space narrowing, and myelography demonstrated a large extradural compressive lesion at the level of L2-3. Computed tomography did not reveal bone involvement. Surgery was performed to decompress the spinal cord and obtain a definitive diagnosis. A right hemilaminectomy was performed after a dorsal approach to the lumbar spine. Histologic examination of the mass revealed a consolidated extradural spinal hematoma, presumed to be secondary to intervertebral disc herniation. Despite incomplete resection of the mass and plastic deformation of the spinal cord, the tiger returned to normal ambulation within 3 wk of surgical decompression.     

Percutaneous transplantation of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells in a dog suspected to have fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy

The use of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells for cell transplantation therapy holds great promise for repairing spinal cord injury. Here we report the first clinical trial transplantation of human umbilical cord (hUCB)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into the spinal cord of a dog suspected to have fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy (FCEM) and that experienced a loss of deep pain sensation. Locomotor functions improved following transplantation in a dog. Based on our findings, we suggest that transplantation of hUCB-derived MSCs will have beneficial therapeutic effects on FCEM patients lacking deep pain sensation.     

Fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy in miniature schnauzers.

In large- and giant-breed dogs, fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy (FCEM) is a well-recognized syndrome of acute spinal cord infarction caused by embolization of fibrocartilage. The miniature schnauzer is reportedly the most frequently affected small breed, although clinical data from only six miniature schnauzers with FCEM is available in the literature. The purposes of this study were to determine the relative frequency of FCEM compared to other causes of myelopathy in miniature schnauzers, to characterize the clinicopathological features of FCEM in 38 miniature schnauzers, and to directly compare FCEM and intervertebral disk herniation in miniature schnauzers with respect to age at diagnosis; gender; neuroanatomical localization; and progression, asymmetry, and severity of neurological deficits. Fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy was the most common cause of myelopathy in miniature schnauzers. Age at diagnosis, asymmetry and severity of neurological deficits, and lack of progression of clinical signs after 24 hours assisted in distinguishing FCEM from intervertebral disk herniation. Fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy-related mortality in miniature schnauzers was significantly lower than mortality rates reported for affected large and giant breeds. Only 22% of miniature schnauzers were euthanized because of their disease, although the vast majority of survivors failed to achieve complete neurological recovery.     

Pentobarbital poisoning in Sumatran tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrae).

Three Sumatran tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrae) at the Heidelberg Zoo in Germany presented with severe neurologic signs. Physical examination and diagnostic tests did not reveal a definitive diagnosis. Two days after initial presenting signs, all of the animals appeared clinically normal. An investigation into this outbreak revealed that all animals received horse meat on the evening before the incident. A toxicologic examination was initiated and serum analysis of the affected female tiger cub and the horse meat revealed contamination with pentobarbital.     

Preductal aortic coarctation and patent ductus arteriosus in a Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) cub.

Preductal aortic coarctation and patent ductus arteriosus are described in a neonatal Sumatran tiger, Panthera tigris sumatrae. Eight days postpartum, the cub appeared weak, and it was separated from the dam for hand rearing. On examination it was dehydrated and hypothermic. Despite treatment, the animal's condition worsened and the cub died 12 days postpartum. Gross postmortem and histologic examinations revealed a preductal aortic coarctation and patent ductus arteriosus with a patent foramen ovale and moderate dilatation of the right ventricle of the heart. Focal pneumonia and mild hepatitis were also present; however, diffuse pulmonary congestion and edema were considered to be the proximate cause of death.     

Continuous lumbar hemilaminectomy for intervertebral disc disease in an Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica)

A 13-yr-old Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) was presented for an acute onset of paraplegia. Spinal imaging that included plain radiographs, myelography, and computed tomography performed under general anesthesia revealed lateralized spinal cord compression at the intervertebral disc space L4-5 caused by intervertebral disc extrusion. This extrusion was accompanied by an extensive epidural hemorrhage from L3 to L6. Therefore, a continuous hemilaminectomy from L3 to L6 was performed, resulting in complete decompression of the spinal cord. The tiger was ambulatory again 10 days after the surgery. This case suggests that the potential benefit of complete spinal cord decompression may outweigh the risk of causing clinically significant spinal instability after extensive decompression.     

Anaesthesia of a Sumatran tiger on eight occasions with ketamine, medetomidine and isoflurane

CASE: An 18-month-old male Sumatran tiger was referred for endoscopy and dilatation of an oesophageal stricture. Anaesthesia and bouginage was undertaken on eight occasions 2-3 weeks apart to dilate the oesophageal stricture. CLINICAL FINDINGS: On the first occasion, sedation was induced with a combination of medetomidine (30 microg/kg) and ketamine (2.35 mg/kg) given intramuscularly. Cardiopulmonary depression (characterised by bradycardia, ventricular arrhythmias, hypoventilation and cyanosis) was severe and in subsequent anaesthesias the medetomidine dose was decreased to about 18 microg/kg and the ketamine dose increased to about 3 microg/kg given intramuscularly. Immobilisation was adequate and the severity of the cardiopulmonary depression was reduced at the revised drug dosages. Atipamezole was effective in reversing both the cardiopulmonary and central nervous system depression. CONCLUSION: The dosage of medetomidine and ketamine recommended in the literature for immobilising tigers produced severe cardiopulmonary depression in this animal. A reduced dosage of medetomidine and higher dosage of ketamine provided adequate restraint with decreased cardiopulmonary depression.     

Chordoma of the thoracic vertebrae in a Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)

A 19-year-old female Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) was presented with hind limb weakness, ataxia and respiratory distress. Computed tomography revealed a mass between the left side of the T7 vertebra and the base of the left 7th rib. The tiger then died, and necropsy was performed. Grossly, the vertebral mass was 6 × 5.7 × 3 cm, and invaded the adjacent vertebral bone and compressed the T7 spinal cord. Histologically, the mass was composed of large, clear, vacuolated and polygonal cells with osteochondral matrix. Cellular and nuclear atypia were moderate. The vacuolated cells stained positively for cytokeratin and vimentin and negatively for S-100. Based on these findings, the present case was diagnosed as a vertebral chordoma; the first report in a tiger.     

Validation of the 13C-urea breath test for use in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) with Helicobacter.

Historically, therapeutic monitoring for prescribed eradication treatment of Helicobacter in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) with associated gastritis has been accomplished only through endoscopic biopsies. The 13C-urea breath test (UBT) can offer an alternative to repeated biopsies for therapeutic monitoring. Five male and five female cheetahs and one male Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris) were studied. All were clinically healthy before and after this investigation. Breath samples of end-tidal expiration were taken before and after administration of a 13C-enriched urea solution through a gastroesophageal tube. Twenty-milliliter breath samples were taken at 10, 20, 30, and 40 min after administration of the urea solution. The results of the breath analysis were compared with the results of rapid urease testing, histopathologic examination, and impression smears of gastric biopsies taken at the time of the breath test. The sensitivity and specificity for the 13C-UBT in this investigation were 100%. and the positive predictive value and negative predictive value were both 100%. Although the 13C-UBT is a good noninvasive diagnostic tool for monitoring the presence of Helicobacter sp. in the gastric mucosa, endoscopy should still be used for initial diagnosis and grading of gastritis and for monitoring the progression of disease in cheetahs. The 13C-UBT is a valuable, simple, accurate, and sensitive tool for monitoring eradication of Helicobacter during therapy for clinical gastritis.     

Eumycetoma and disseminated phaeohyphomycosis in a Sumatran tiger

A 16-y-old female Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) was evaluated for hyporexia. Examination revealed chronic kidney disease and a large subcutaneous axillary mass with draining tracts that contained numerous small black grains. Histologic examination revealed the presence of intralesional fungal hyphae. Persistent hyporexia and pyogranulomatous disease, as well as progressive cachexia and azotemia occurred despite treatment, and euthanasia was performed. Disseminated phaeohyphomycosis was diagnosed on postmortem examination, additionally affecting various lymph nodes, the nasal cavity, mesenteric adipose tissue, abdominal aorta, pericardium, and kidney. Fungal culture from a deep-tissue sample isolated a pure growth of Curvularia sp., a dematiaceous opportunistic fungus able to cause eumycetomas and/or phaeohyphomycosis. Phaeohyphomycosis is a rare but emerging condition, not previously reported as disseminated disease in an exotic carnivore, to our knowledge. Aggressive systemic antifungal treatment was unsuccessful, likely complicated by diagnostic challenges and concurrent renal disease. The presence of a swelling with abundant grains exiting draining tracts should direct clinicians to the diagnosis of a mycetoma, warranting early and aggressive treatment.     

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of thoracic chordoma in a Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)

A Bengal tiger was presented for evaluation of weakness, ataxia and inappetance. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a mass extending from the T7-8 vertebral body to the left rib and compressing the spinal cord. On CT, the bone destruction and sequestrum were shown. On MRI, the multilobulated mass appeared hypo- to isointense in T1-weighted and hyperintense in T2-weighted images. The tiger died after imaging, most likely from renal failure. Chordoma without metastasis was diagnosed on necropsy. The imaging characteristics were similar to those found in chordoma in humans. This report describes the use of CT and MRI in an exotic species.     

Gross anatomy and ultrasonographic images of the reproductive system of the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis)

The Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) is the smallest of all the rhino species. It is one of the rarest mammals in the world and is in imminent danger of extinction. A study was carried out on seven wild-caught females, three wild-caught males and one captive born female Sumatran rhinoceros at the Sumatran Rhinoceros Breeding Centre in Sungai Dusun, Selangor, Malaysia, beginning 1990. As a result of the paucity of scientific information on the reproductive biology of the Sumatran rhinoceros, this study was conducted to obtain information, which could assist in the captive breeding of this endangered and near extinct species. The anatomy of the reproductive system was based on two post-mortem specimens and transrectal real-time ultrasonography in six adult females. Genitalia of the Sumatran rhinoceros were similar to those of other species of rhinoceroses. The cervix consisted of several folds, the uterus was bicornuate with a short body and prominent horns and the ovaries were completely covered by the fimbriated end of the fallopian tube. The internal genitalia could be imaged by ultrasonography. The testes were located within a pendulous scrotum. Two lateral projections were located at the base of the penis. A well-defined process glandis was present at the tip of the penis. The accessory sex glands and the testes could be imaged by ultrasonography.     

Attempted in vitro maturation and fertilization of postmortem Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) oocytes

A study was conducted opportunistically to evaluate the potential of rescuing immature oocytes from the ovaries of the Sumatran rhinoceros postmortem. Recovered oocytes (n = 30) were placed in maturation culture for 36 hr and inseminated with frozen-thawed homologous spermatozoa. After culture, evaluation of nuclear maturation status revealed that a large number of oocytes were degenerated (n = 21), but nine oocytes were assessed at the germinal vesicle (n = 3), metaphase I (n = 3), and metaphase II (n = 3) stages. Frozen-thawed Sumatran rhinoceros spermatozoa were capable of binding to the zona pellucida of in vitro matured oocytes, but no fertilization or cleavage resulted. In conclusion, relatively large numbers of oocytes can be obtained by ovarian follicular aspiration postmortem in the Sumatran rhinoceros, and some of these oocytes are capable of achieving nuclear maturation in vitro. However, additional studies are required to improve maturation success and achieve fertilization in culture.     

东北虎γ-干扰素基因的克隆、生物信息学分析及其在毕赤酵母中的表达

本试验旨在通过克隆东北虎γ-干扰素(IFN-γ)基因,研究其分子特征并预测蛋白生物学功能,为后续研究干扰素抗病毒活性做前期准备。通过RT-PCR从ConA诱导过的东北虎血淋巴细胞中扩增东北虎IFN-γ基因并测序,应用生物信息学方法进行序列分析。结果表明:东北虎IFN-γ编码区由504个核苷酸组成,共编码167个氨基酸,蛋白相对分子质量为19.59 ku,等电点为9.03,所编码的蛋白为碱性亲水性蛋白,其中前23个氨基酸可能为信号肽,IFN-γ编码蛋白保守结构域为IFN-γ超家族,且存在跨膜结构,其中1-6位氨基酸为胞内区域,7-28位氨基酸为跨膜区域,29-167位氨基酸为胞外区域;IFN-γ编码蛋白二级结构主要以α-螺旋(58.08%)和无规则卷曲(33.53%)为主,存在5个潜在的B细胞抗原表位,3个潜在的N-糖基化位点;分子进化分析显示,东北虎IFN-γ与GenBank上发表的东北虎、非洲狮、金钱豹、美洲狮、猎豹、家猫、加拿大猞猁、野猪等的核苷酸相似性为80.4%~99.8%,氨基酸相似性为70.5%~100%,东北虎IFN-γ与非洲狮、金钱豹亲缘关系最近,美洲狮、猎豹、家猫、猞猁次之,野猪最远。通过合成改造后的东北虎IFN-γ基因,构建能表达IFN-γ蛋白的重组质粒pPIC9K-IFN-γ,将其导入高效表达系统-毕赤酵母中进行诱导表达,经SDS-PAGE分析,表达蛋白的分子量约17.8 ku,与预期大小相符,表明东北虎IFN-γ成功表达。     

Subcutaneous atypical mycobacteriosis in captive tiger quolls (Dasyurus maculatus)

From July 1989 to October 1998, 9/37 (24%) adult captive tiger quolls (Dasyurus maculatus) were diagnosed with atypical mycobacterial infection involving the subcutis and skin. Females were more often affected than males (seven females, two males). Grossly, lesions presented as focal thickenings, plaques, and abscesses within the subcutis, often with fistulous tracts. The subcutis and skin overlying cervical and thoracic regions were the primary sites of infection. Cytology of subcutaneous impression smears from all nine affected tiger quolls revealed pyogranulomatous inflammation admixed with several acid-fast bacilli. Histologically, all tiger quolls had nodular to diffuse pyogranulomatous panniculitis and cellulitis. Small numbers of acid-fast bacilli were noted histologically in 7/9 (78%) animals. Skin cultures from seven tiger quolls were positive for one or more different Runyon group IV mycobacteria. The disease described in these tiger quolls is similar to subcutaneous atypical mycobacteriosis of humans and domestic animals.     

东北虎γ-干扰素基因的克隆、生物信息学分析及其在毕赤酵母中的表达

本试验旨在通过克隆东北虎γ-干扰素（IFN-γ）基因,研究其分子特征并预测蛋白生物学功能,为后续研究干扰素抗病毒活性做前期准备。通过RT-PCR从ConA诱导过的东北虎血淋巴细胞中扩增东北虎IFN-γ基因并测序,应用生物信息学方法进行序列分析。结果表明：东北虎IFN-γ编码区由504个核苷酸组成,共编码167个氨基酸,蛋白相对分子质量为19.59 ku,等电点为9.03,所编码的蛋白为碱性亲水性蛋白,其中前23个氨基酸可能为信号肽,IFN-γ编码蛋白保守结构域为IFN-γ超家族,且存在跨膜结构,其中1－6位氨基酸为胞内区域,7－28位氨基酸为跨膜区域,29－167位氨基酸为胞外区域;IFN-γ编码蛋白二级结构主要以α-螺旋（58.08%）和无规则卷曲（33.53%）为主,存在5个潜在的B细胞抗原表位,3个潜在的N-糖基化位点;分子进化分析显示,东北虎IFN-γ与GenBank上发表的东北虎、非洲狮、金钱豹、美洲狮、猎豹、家猫、加拿大猞猁、野猪等的核苷酸相似性为80.4%~99.8%,氨基酸相似性为70.5%~100%,东北虎IFN-γ与非洲狮、金钱豹亲缘关系最近,美洲狮、猎豹、家猫、猞猁次之,野猪最远。通过合成改造后的东北虎IFN-γ基因,构建能表达IFN-γ蛋白的重组质粒pPIC9K-IFN-γ,将其导入高效表达系统-毕赤酵母中进行诱导表达,经SDS-PAGE分析,表达蛋白的分子量约17.8 ku,与预期大小相符,表明东北虎IFN-γ成功表达。     

Blastomycosis in nondomestic felids.

Blastomycosis was diagnosed in six nondomestic felids from eastern Tennessee, including two Asian lions (Panthera leo persicus), one African lion (Panthera leo), one Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris), one cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), and one snow leopard (Panthera uncia). Clinical signs included lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, dyspnea, sneezing. ataxia, and paresis. Variable nonspecific changes included leukocytosis, monocytosis, moderate left shift of neutrophils, moderate hypercalcemia, hyperproteinemia, and hyperglobulinemia. Thoracic radiographs revealed interstitial and alveolar changes, consolidation or collapse of a lung lobe, bullae formation, and a pulmonary mass. Agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) serology for Blastomyces dermatitidis was performed in five felids and was positive in three. The tiger had cerebral blastomycosis and was positive for AGID serologic tests of both cerebrospinal fluid and serum. One percutaneous lung aspirate in the snow leopard and one bronchial aspirate in an Asian lion demonstrated B. dermatitidis organisms. whereas tracheal wash samples and a nasal discharge were nondiagnostic in others. Treatment with itraconazole was attempted in four cats. The tiger improved before euthanasia, whereas the others did not survive beyond initial treatments. In four felids, B. dermatitidis was found in the lungs and tracheobronchial lymph nodes associated with a florid pyogranulomatous reaction; the tiger had a pyogranulomatous encephalomyelitis, and the cheetah had a single pulmonary granuloma. Thoracic radiography, cytologic examination of lung lesion aspirates, and B. dermatitidis AGID serology should be performed on clinically ill zoo felids in endemic areas to rule out blastomycosis.     

用PCR法检测东北虎感染猫细小病毒的研究

根据GenBank中已发表的猫细小病毒基因组中的保守序列 ,利用Goldkey软件设计了一对能扩增 750bp片段大小的引物 ,对某动物园 1只病死东北虎的脾脏样品进行了PCR检测。结果得到了与设计大小完全相符且与标准猫细小病毒扩增产物大小一致的特异核酸带 ,同时对犬瘟热、犬腺病毒、轮状病毒的核酸扩增结果均为阴性。敏感性试验表明 ,此法可检出血凝价为 1 2 8×脾脏匀浆液上清 1 0 - 5倍稀释的模板 ,远高于血凝试验的敏感性 ,为虎、狮、熊猫等野生动物细小病毒病的快速诊断提供了一个有效的方法