Zamba's wobble: MRI uncovers vitamin shortage

Zamba, the one-year-old lion cub who underwent a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan at Garden Route Radiology in George last week after experiencing sudden episodic balance issues, has been diagnosed with a vitamin A deficiency.

- Jacqueline Herbst

According to the cub's MRI report, compiled by Dr Christelle le Roux of Vetimaging Specialists in Pretoria, the scan showed mild cerebellar herniation with compression of the medulla oblongata. This means his cerebellum (the area of the brain responsible for balance and co-ordination) is slightly pushed down into an area it should not normally be. This, in turn, puts pressure on the medulla oblongata (the lowest part of the brainstem that connects the brain and the spinal cord). Ruling out inflammatory disease and trauma, the report attributes Zamba's condition to a vitamin A deficiency, sometimes seen in captive lions.

One of Zamba's co-owners, Jurg Olsen of the Outeniqua Game Farm, said Zamba's vitamin A deficiency was likely caused by limited absorption.

A well-positioned carnivore scientist explained that a vitamin A deficiency in captive lions was often linked to their diet and has been known to cause abnormal growth in the bones of the skull.