Keepers at a Kent animal park say the use of a new mobile CT scanner has led to \u201ca major step forward in sanctuary medicine\u201d which is already set to prolong the lives of its cats.<\/p>\n
In November, The Big Cat Sanctuary introduced the medical device for the first time to investigate the medical mysteries of three of its residents.<\/p>\n
Django the clouded leopard being scanned. Picture: The Big Cat Sanctuary<\/p>\n
Mobile CT scanners bring advanced, high-resolution 3D diagnostic imaging directly to animals, eliminating the need for stressful transportation to specialised centres.<\/p>\n
The human-grade technology is valuable for improving diagnostic accuracy in orthopaedics, neurology and oncology, while also allowing for faster scans which reduce prolonged anaesthesia.<\/p>\n
Three months on and keepers at the Smarden park, near Ashford, say it is already proving beneficial by providing treatment plans to its residents such as clouded leopard, Django.<\/p>\n
The scan potentially saved the 10-year-old\u2019s life by detecting an abdominal mass and a testicular tumour at an early stage.<\/p>\n
Keepers say they can now act fast to ensure he remains part of the vital European Breeding Programme after ensuring he has the strongest possible outlook.<\/p>\n
Four-year-old tiger Luca had a scan which revealed a rare narrowing of the spine. Picture: The Big Cat Sanctuary<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, four-year-old tiger Luca had a scan which revealed a rare narrowing of the spine.<\/p>\n
Described as \u201can unusual find for a young tiger\u201d, park bosses say the diagnosis will allow them to pivot his care plan and inform the EAZA breeding programme.<\/p>\n
Finally, cheetah Mo has finally received a diagnosis for his intermittent lameness in his left forelimb – significant arthritis and tendon inflammation – due to the scanner.<\/p>\n
The imaging confirmed significant osteoarthritis in his right shoulder and tendon inflammation in his left shoulder.<\/p>\n
While surgery is not necessary, the scan has allowed the team to implement a structured long-term analgesia plan to manage discomfort and maintain mobility.<\/p>\n
Mo finally received a diagnosis for his intermittent lameness. Picture: The Big Cat Sanctuary<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for the sanctuary said: \u201cThe results have provided our team with the vital clarity needed to safeguard the future of these incredible animals.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile not all findings were straightforward, the scan has provided invaluable clarity and allowed keepers to refine treatment plans and make informed decisions which will help safeguard the animals\u2019 long-term welfare.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has delivered exactly what keepers at The Big Cat Sanctuary hoped for – answers.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ability to access advanced diagnostics of this calibre represents a major step forward in sanctuary medicine and ensures the best possible care for the cats.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost importantly, this procedure has strengthened the sanctuary\u2019s commitment to deliver the highest possible standard of welfare, ensuring each cat receives tailored, informed and compassionate care for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Keepers at a Kent animal park say the use of a new mobile CT scanner has led to…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":791284,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[3847],"tags":[933,605,609,495,70,69243,16,15,43920,1717],"class_list":["post-791283","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-wildlife","tag-animals","tag-ashford","tag-human-interest","tag-kent","tag-science","tag-tenterden","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-weald","tag-wildlife"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/116139522952060306","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/791283","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=791283"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/791283\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/791284"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=791283"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=791283"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=791283"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}