%0 Journal Article
%T Gastric Ollulanus tricuspis infection identified in captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) with chronic vomiting : case report
%A M.G. Collett
%A W.E. Pomroy
%A W.G. Guilford
%A A.C. Johnstone
%J Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
%D 2012
%I AOSIS OpenJournals
%R 10.4102/jsava.v71i4.727
%X Gastritis, vomition and weight loss are common in captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). Gastric spiral bacteria (Helicobacter spp.) and the very small, viviparous nematode Ollulanus tricuspis, a stomach worm of cats, are believed to be important causes. Three sibling cheetahs at Wellington Zoo, New Zealand, developed chronic vomiting, diarrhoea and debility. Their parents were both South African-born. Response to antibacterial treatment was poor. Endoscopic examinations revealed chronic lymphoplasmacytic gastritis and Ollulanus infection. Treatment with oxfendazole and pyrantel embonate resulted in clinical improvement; however, 1 cheetah, which died 7 months later as a result of a ruptured liver due to hepatic amyloidosis, still had Ollulanus worms present in her stomach. Ollulanus tricuspis is a significant cause of gastritis and vomiting in captive cheetahs, lions and tigers, as well as wild cougars and tigers. The parasite has not yet been found in sub-Saharan Africa. Because of the unusual characteristics of this parasite, the literature on its life history and techniques for diagnosis is reviewed.
%K Cheetah
%K Gastritis
%K Ill-Thrift
%K Nematoda
%K Ollulanus Tricuspis
%K Parasitology
%K Pathology
%K Vomiting
%K Wildlife
%K Zoological Garden
%U http://jsava.co.za/index.php/jsava/article/view/727