Preductal aortic coarctation and patent ductus arteriosus in a Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) cub

Preductal aortic coarctation and patent ductus arteriosus are described in a neonatal Sumatran tiger, Panthera tigris sumatrae. Eight days postpartum. the cub appeared weak. and it was separated from the dam for hand rearing. On examination it was dehydrated and hypothermic. Despite treatment, the a nimal's condition worsened and the cub died 12 days postpartum. Gross postm ortem and histologic examinations revealed a preductal aortic coarctation a nd patent ductus arteriosus with a patent foramen ovale and moderate dilata tion of the right ventricle of the heart. Focal pneumonia and mild hepatiti s were also present, however, diffuse pulmonary congestion and edema were c onsidered to be the proximate cause of death.