Report of trichobezoar causing peritonitis in a captive African lion (Panthera leo)

This report describes a huge gastric trichobezoar in a 12-year old male captive African lion (Panthera leo) leading to gastric perforation, fatal peritonitis and death. At necropsy, the stomach seemed firm, highly distended and filled with a giant mass weighted 3800 grams. A big perforation was identified in the antrum which caused severe pyoperitoneum, septic shock and death. Restricted physical activity at nights, whole carcasses feeding, lack of fiber supplement or laxatives and repetitious diet were the major risk factors for trichobezoar formation in this case. Trichobezoar should be considered as a common gastrointestinal disease in captive wild cats, so nutritional and medical preventive regimen is highly recommended for lions in zoos. Determining the common causes of morbidity and mortality of wild felines housed in zoological collections will provide insights that contribute to their improved care, health, and medical management in captivity and ultimately affect the sustainability of these species in the wild.