OBJECTIVE To establish a reference interval for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) determined by measuring serum clearance of a single IV dose of inulin in clinically normal cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and compare serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) concentration in cheetahs with GFR. ANIMALS 33 cheetahs housed at 3 institutions. PROCEDURES A single bolus of inulin (3,000 mg/m2) was administered IV, and 5 serial blood samples were collected and analyzed for serum inulin concentration with the anthrone technique. The GFR was estimated with a modified slope-intercept method for the slow component of the serum concentration-versus-time curve. Blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine concentrations were measured in samples obtained immediately prior to inulin administration, and serum SDMA concentration was measured in stored samples. RESULTS Mean ± SD measured GFR was 1.58 ± 0.39 mL/min/kg, and the calculated reference interval was 0.84 to 2.37 mL/min/kg. There were significant negative correlations between GFR and serum creatinine concentration (r = −0.499), BUN concentration (r = −0.592), and age (r = −0.463). Serum SDMA concentration was not significantly correlated with GFR (r = 0.385), BUN concentration (r = −0.281), or serum creatinine concentration (r = 0.165). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE A reference interval for GFR in clinically normal cheetahs was obtained. Further evaluation of animals with renal disease is needed to determine whether measuring serum clearance of a single IV dose of inulin is a reliable diagnostic test for early detection of renal disease in cheetahs.

Ectoparasites can severely impact wildlife species, both through their feeding behaviour and by facilitating secondary infestations or bacterial infections. Here, we report on two cases of periorbital damage caused by ixodid tick infestations in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), including a rare record of traumatic myiasis in wildlife. Both cheetahs were recently reintroduced to the Marromeu-Coutada Complex in Central Mozambique and had sustained relatively severe injuries. This ostensibly yielded them immunocompromised and thus more vulnerable to tick infestations, particularly when exposed to novel species. These incidents occurred during the peak hot-wet season in which adult tick abundance is likely highest. These cases provide novel insights into the risks of tick infestations for reintroduced cheetahs and the importance of intensive post-release monitoring to allow for timeous veterinary intervention. Contribution: This study falls within the scope of the journal. Ixodid ticks are of veterinary importance for wildlife and domestic animals across Africa because of the associated direct damage and potential spread of tick-borne pathogens. This study investigates two cases of tick infestations in cheetahs recently reintroduced into a tropical environment. The identified risk factors appear to be exposure to novel ectoparasites, injuries, and the hot-wet season. This highlights the need to consider ectoparasite risk when planning wildlife translocations.

Objective-To analyze the 7a7b genes of the feline coronavirus (FCoV) of cheetahs, which are believed to play a role in virulence of this virus. Sample Population-Biologic samples collected during a 4-year period from 5 cheetahs at the same institution and at 1 time point from 4 cheetahs at different institutions. Procedures-Samples were first screened for FCoV via a reverse transcription-PCR procedure involving primers that encompassed the 3'-untranslated region. Samples that yielded positive assay results were analyzed by use of primers that targeted the 7a7b open reading frames. The nucleotide sequences of the 7a7b amplification products were determined and analyzed. Results-In most isolates, substantial deletional mutations in the 7a gene were detected that would result in aberrant or no expression of the 7a product because of altered reading frames. Although the 7b gene was also found to contain mutations, these were primarily point mutations resulting in minor amino acid changes. The coronavirus associated with 1 cheetah with feline infectious peritonitis had intact 7a and 7b genes. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-The data suggest that mutations arise readily in the 7a region and may remain stable in FCoV of cheetahs. In contrast, an intact 7b gene may be necessary for in vivo virus infection and replication. Persistent infection with FCoV in a cheetah population results in continued virus circulation and may lead to a quasispecies of virus variants.