CT scans give Kent big cats vital health boost at sanctuary

These rather large kitties, a tiger, a cheetah, and a leopard, have had important medical treatment thanks to modern technology as they have undergone CT scans that revealed health issues.

In November, Luca the Amur tiger, Mo the cheetah and Django the mainland clouded leopard at The Big Cat Sanctuary were examined in a bid to understand unexplained and persistent medical problems.

It marked the first time a mobile CT scanner had been used at the sanctuary. Staff say the results are already helping them refine treatment plans and make long-term decisions to safeguard the animals' welfare.

Although not all of the findings were straightforward, keepers said the scans provided "invaluable clarity", allowing them to better tailor care for each animal.

Django, a 10-year-old mainland clouded leopard, was scanned to investigate stiffness and lameness in his hind legs. The imaging did not reveal any serious skeletal problems.

However, vets did identify an abdominal mass. Further ultrasound tests showed the mass had stabilised but also revealed an additional mass on his right testicle, with early indications suggesting it could be a tumour.

Because the issue has been detected early, further tests will now determine the best course of treatment. Keepers say this gives Django the strongest possible outlook and expect he will still be able to take part in the European breeding programme for his species.

Luca, a four-year-old Amur tiger, was examined because of ongoing stiffness in both rear legs and lameness in his right foreleg.

The scan revealed minor elbow changes consistent with normal bone development, but also a narrowing of joint space in the lower spine - an unusual finding for such a young animal.

As a result, his care plan is being adjusted to focus on joint support, close monitoring and pain management if required. The sanctuary has also informed the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria ex-situ programme, of which Luca is part, in case the findings influence future breeding advice.

Mo, a seven-year-old cheetah, underwent scanning to assess intermittent lameness in his left forelimb.

The images confirmed significant osteoarthritis in his right shoulder, along with tendon inflammation in his left shoulder. While surgery is not needed, the sanctuary has now put in place a structured long-term pain-relief plan to help manage discomfort and maintain mobility.

Staff at The Big Cat Sanctuary say the procedure represents a major step forward in veterinary care.

Access to advanced diagnostic tools such as CT scanning is transforming sanctuary medicine, enabling earlier detection of problems and more informed, compassionate care