Skull malformation and cerebellar herniation in captive African lions.

Thickening of the cranial vault with a resulting cerebellar herniation is described in a series of litters of lion cubs, all with the same parents, one of whom was also very mildly affected. This animal, when mated to his daughter, also produced affected cubs. The aetiology of the condition is discussed and it is considered that vitamin A deficiency may have been less important than has been suggested by other authors.