Gastric Ollulanus tricuspis infection identified in captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) with chronic vomiting : case report

• Main Authors: M.G. Collett, W.E. Pomroy, W.G. Guilford, A.C. Johnstone, B.J. Blanchard, S.G. Mirams
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: AOSIS 2000-07-01
• Series: Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
• Subjects: Cheetah; Gastritis; Ill-Thrift; Nematoda; Ollulanus Tricuspis; Parasitology; Pathology; Vomiting; Wildlife; Zoological Garden
• Online Access: https://jsava.co.za/index.php/jsava/article/view/727
• ISSN: 1019-9128; 2224-9435

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.