Treatment of leiomyosarcoma in a tiger (Panthera tigris) with stereotactic radiotherapy

Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2019 May;60(3):E33-E37. doi: 10.1111/vru.12720. Epub 2019 Feb 12.

Abstract

A 10-year-old male captive tiger (Panthera tigris) developed right-sided facial asymmetry and enlargement. Computed tomography revealed a destructive mass of the right maxillary bone with right nasal cavity involvement. Histopathology indicated a spindle cell sarcoma. A single fraction of 22 Gy using stereotactic radiotherapy was prescribed. After treatment, the facial conformation returned to normal and the tiger resumed normal behavior. Diagnostics 4 months later indicated severe metastatic disease. Humane euthanasia and necropsy were performed. This is the first case utilizing stereotactic radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer in a tiger.

Keywords: cancer; exotics; felid; neoplasia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Bone Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Bone Neoplasms / veterinary*
  • Leiomyosarcoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Leiomyosarcoma / radiotherapy
  • Leiomyosarcoma / veterinary*
  • Male
  • Maxillary Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Maxillary Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Maxillary Neoplasms / veterinary*
  • Radiosurgery / veterinary*
  • Tigers*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary
  • Treatment Outcome