SYSTEMIC AMYLOIDOSIS IN A CHEETAH (ACINONYX-JUBATUS)

A captive, 9 year old female cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) with progressi ve signs of chronic renal failure was euthanized. Histologic studies o f the kidney revealed severe glomerular and medullary amyloidosis. The amyloid stained positively,vith Congo red and showed green birefringe nce under polarized fight Based on potassium permanganate sensitivity and the immunohistochemical reaction with monoclonal antibodies, the r enal amyloid was classified as AA. Amyloid was also deposited in the l iver and heart. Electrophoresis of heart and kidney tissue showed two protein bands reflecting serum amyloid A. This if the first derailed r eport of amyloidosis leading to renal failure in a highly endangered s pecies.