Pulmonary cryptococcoma and cryptococcal meningoencephalomyelitis in a king cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

Abstract

A captive king cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) was evaluated for a subacute onset of ataxia in all four limbs. The ataxia appeared to be spinal in origin, evidenced by apparent conscious proprioceptive deficits in all limbs, and there was no evidence of cerebellar involvement. Anesthesia was performed and survey spinal radiographs were normal. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed an apparently sterile meningitis of unknown etiology. Although transient improvement was noted with glucocorticoid and antimicrobial therapy, the condition deteriorated subsequently and the animal became quadriparetic and paraplegic. Follow-up cerebrospinal fluid analysis and culture revealed the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans. Myelography demonstrated obstruction of the subarachnoid space at the level of the seventh cervical vertebra. Pathological examination following euthanasia revealed a solitary pulmonary cryptococcoma and confirmed cryptococcal meningoencephalomyelitis.