BIG CAT ATTACK - A CASE-STUDY

A 28-year-old man was attacked by a large female tiger at an exotic an imal farm, sustaining penetrating injuries to the neck and pharynx as well as a cervical spine fracture. This case and review of the literat ure demonstrates the ability of these animals to cause significant tra uma and occult injuries, Furthermore, this case demonstrates the need for a high index of suspicion when treating these patients, as serious underlying bony and soft tissue damage can easily be overlooked.