Clinical and diagnostic imaging findings in a bengal tiger ( Panthera tigris tigris ) with cervical spondylomyelopathy: A case report.

An adult neutered male Bengal tiger ( Panthera tigris tigris ) presented with abnormal gait. Neurological examination showed poor left ambulatory hemiparesis, spontaneous proprioceptive deficit in the left anterior limb, and decreased flexor reflex in the forelimbs. The neurological symptoms suggested a caudal cervical spinal cord lesion. Pathological findings included increased cholinesterase and protein levels in the cerebrospinal fluid. Computed tomography examination revealed C2-C3 intervertebral disc herniation, C5-C6 intervertebral disc herniation associated with a reduction of the intervertebral space, and mild ventral dislocation of the C6 vertebra compared to C5. In addition, severe bilateral shoulder osteoarthritis and a hypoattenuating nodule in the left thyroid gland with an open etiology were observed. These findings were interpreted as indicating cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM). Treatment included analgesic and steroidal anti-inflammatory therapy as well as movement restriction. Follow-up at 4 weeks showed modest improvement. Thus, CSM should be included in the differential diagnosis of tigers with neurological cervical signs.