HUSBANDRY PORTFOLIO FOR THE CHEETAH (ACINONYX JUBATUS)

Cheetahs have a high prevalence of disease in captivity (Gaffney et al, 2012). The genetic diversity of the captive cheetah is small, predisposing the species to many different diseases and health problems. Other common diseases in captive cheetahs include; chronic gastritis and veno-occlusive disease, gastritis and renal failure (Url et al, 2016). According to Gillis-Germitsch et al (2017), captive cheetahs have higher levels of corticomedullary ratio (ACMR) than free ranging cheetahs. ACMR is used an indicator of stress and has been linked to gastritis, amyloidosis, myocardial fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis. Due to captive cheetah’s high predisposition to disease, preventative health is fundamental for their welfare and survival.

​

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a coronaviral disease which has a high mortality rate once clinical signs have become evident and is spread through the ingestion of an infected cats faeces (Pederson, 2014). Once clinical signs are present, it is usually very hard to successfully treat the individual and therefore, preventative health such as vaccinations is recommended.

​

​

Veno-occlusive disease is a progressive disease concerned with the liver. The cause is unknown however, chronic levels of vitamin A is considered a predisposing factor (Marker and Schumann, 1998). Therefore, proper diet management is required as a preventative health measure.

​

​

Chronic gastritis is another common problem in cheetahs, it is caused by spiral bacteria, however it is not life threatening and proper hygiene measures when preparing feed will prevent this from occurring.

 

Domesticated cats often suffer from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), this can be detected using blood serum. Captive cheetahs have been identified as having higher baseline corticoid concentrations and larger adrenal cortices, this can contribute to disease prevalence and low reproductive success (Terio et al, 2004). Therefore, cheetahs are predisposed to this disease, indicating health monitoring is a fundamental preventative method.

​

Rhinotracheitis is an infectious disease caused by feline herpes virus and is species specific to felids of all ages. This virus is spread through direct contact of other infected cats, therefore if more than one individual is housed in an enclosure, precautions should be made and close monitoring of the throat, nose and eyes for symptoms similar to conjunctivitis (Gaskell et al, 2007). Isolation is required for 1-2 weeks if infection is identified in one individual.