Unsteady gait, weight loss alarm zoo for tiger and leopard

Chelyabinsk Zoo has raised the alarm about the condition of the Amur tiger Matis and the leopard Amir. Both predators have begun to rapidly lose weight, and both are already at a venerable age, 16 and 17 years old.

First, an examination and tests were conducted on the tiger. The results, unfortunately, are not encouraging: progressive chronic kidney failure (CKD) and a polyp in the urinary bladder.

“Yes, there is supportive therapy, and we are providing it. But recently, Matyusha«s episodes have worsened, and he recovers from them with difficulty. A few days ago, another episode occurred, and Matis is still not doing well. He is very lethargic, spends most of his time lying down, and has a very poor appetite. Our veterinarians and zoologists are doing everything they can, but the prognosis is very cautious,” the zoo reported.

The second examination focused on the leopard Amir. The concerns are also serious: he has lost weight dramatically in just the last week, and his urine has darkened.

Since in cats, such symptoms often indicate kidney and liver problems (which develop rapidly), it was decided to immobilize him today and run all possible tests.

Now, based on the ultrasound results, it can already be said that Amir has serious problems with the pancreas, gallbladder, and kidneys. The biochemical blood test is also not encouraging. But overall, there is a chance to manage all this with medication.