Skip to main content
Article
Oral eosinphilic granulomas in tigers (Panthera tigris)
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine (2007)
  • John Sykes
  • Michael Garner
  • Leah Greer
  • Nancy Lung
  • Rob Coke
  • Frank Ridgley
  • Mitch Bush
  • Richard Montali
  • Ben Okimoto
  • Robert Schmidt
  • Jack Allen
  • Bruce Rideout
  • Patricia Pesavento
  • Edward C. Ramsay, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Abstract
Oral eosinophilic granulomas were diagnosed in 16 tigers (Panthera tigris). All lesions were located on the hard or soft palate and typically consisted of flat or slightly raised circular ulcers. Histologic features of these lesions were essentially identical to those seen in oral eosinophilic granulomas of domestic cats and dogs. No clinical signs were noted in eight cases, though various degrees of inappetence, excessive salivation, and dysphagia were noted in the other eight tigers. Six cases were not treated. Treatment for the remaining 10 cases centered on corticosteroids and additional treatments included surgical removal, cryotherapy, antibiotics, and chlorpheniramine. Treatment with corticosteroids did appear to be effective in some cases, though lesions would worsen after cessation of therapy and no cases were cured. In addition, three cases developed complications possibly related to this corticosteroid therapy. The etiology of these lesions remains unknown, though an underlying allergic condition is likely.
Publication Date
2007
Citation Information
John Sykes, Michael Garner, Leah Greer, Nancy Lung, et al.. "Oral eosinphilic granulomas in tigers (Panthera tigris)" Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine Vol. 38 Iss. 2 (2007)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/robert_schmidt/87/