Cefovecin (Convenia) for the treatment of septic peritonitis in a female lion (Panthera leo)

James Steeil, Juergen Schumacher, Rachel Seibert, Karen Tobias

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

An 8-yr-old intact female African lion (Panthera leo) presented with a 3-day history of lethargy, anorexia, and vomiting. Hematologic and biochemical abnormalities included a leukocytosis, 41,700/μl (4,700-15,300) with a neutrophilia (37,530/μl; 2,000-9,200) and a left shift (1,250/μl bands; 0-300), and mild hypokalemia of 2.1 mEq/L (.8-4.8). Abdominal radiographs revealed evidence of intestinal ileus, peritonitis, and the presence of effusion. An exploratory laparotomy was performed, and septic peritonitis due to a pyometra was diagnosed. The lion was treated with an ovariohysterectomy, abdominal lavage, fluid therapy, and a subcutaneous injection of cefovecin. The lion recovered, and clinical signs associated with septic peritonitis resolved within 36 hr. It was returned to conspecifics 3 wk later. Three months postoperatively, the lion showed no residual signs of septic peritonitis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)678-681
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
Volume43
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 20 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cefovecin
  • Convenia
  • Lion
  • Panthera leo
  • Pyometra
  • Septic peritonitis

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