Hematological and biochemical blood values in wild populations of black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) of Campeche, México

IMMOBILIZATION OF BLACK HOWLER MONKEYS (ALOUATTA PIGRA) USING BUTORPHANOL, AZAPERONE, MEDETOMIDINE IS SAFE AND EFFECTIVE FOR NONINVASIVE PROCEDURES

Administration of butorphanol, azaperone, and medetomidine (BAM) for immobilization of black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) has not been previously reported. In this observational study, 0.02 ml/kg of compounded BAM (butorphanol 27.3 mg/ml, azaperone 9.1 mg/ml, medetomidine 10.9 mg/ml) was administered IM in 10 captive black howler monkeys. Time to immobilization was recorded, an arterial blood gas performed, and at 5-min intervals, HR, RR, oscillometric arterial blood pressure, SPO2, and rectal temperature were measured. Naltrexone and atipamezole were administered IM at procedure completion and recovery times were recorded. If invasive procedures such as surgery were necessary and additional drugs needed, further data from that individual was removed from data analysis. Final BAM dosages were 0.55 ± 0.12 mg/kg butorphanol, 0.19 ± 0.04 mg/kg azaperone, and 0.22 ± 0.05 mg/kg medetomidine. Nine of 10 monkeys achieved sedation allowing for physical exam, venipuncture, and tuberculin skin testing within 4 ± 2 min. No monkeys reached a plane of immobilization allowing for intubation. Physiologic variables were acceptable for this species. Hypoxemia (SPO2 < 95%) was observed in three monkeys via pulse oximetry, and normoxemia was observed on arterial blood gas. Recovery was smooth and rapid. Therefore, BAM is a viable option for noninvasive procedures or as a premedication prior to induction of anesthesia in black howler monkeys.

Hematology and serum biochemistry of free-ranging mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) at La Pacifica, Costa Rica

BACKGROUND

Hematologic and blood biochemical values are key tools for assessing primate health. A long-term behavioral study of howler monkeys at a single site (La Pacífica, Guanacaste, Costa Rica), afforded the opportunity to develop baseline values for a large group of animals, evaluating differences between adult males and females and comparing to a report in the same population two decades later.

METHODS

In 1998, 64 free-ranging mantled howler monkeys were anesthetized and sampled for hematologic and biochemical analysis.

RESULTS

Blood analysis is reported for 29 adult females, 9 juvenile females, 19 adult males and 3 juvenile males. Four adults were excluded due to external injury or disease. There were few significant differences between adult females, juvenile females, and adult males.

CONCLUSIONS

Baseline blood parameters are useful for determining normal values for howler monkey populations. The values for total protein, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, liver enzymes and potassium differed from a later study in 2019 may indicate changes that are influencing howler monkey health.

Hematology and blood biochemistry in a declining population of mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata palliata) at La Pacifica, Costa Rica

BACKGROUND

Alouatta palliata palliata are an ecologically flexible howler monkey subspecies that has recently been relisted as Endangered. Populations are declining through much of the subspecies' range, including at our study site at La Pacifica, Costa Rica. Our objectives were to screen blood hematology and biochemistry samples collected from this wild population to elucidate their baseline health.

METHODS

We collected blood samples from 38 adult individuals from across the study site and analyzed 13 hematology and 14 biochemistry parameters.

RESULTS

Most hematology and blood biochemistry parameter values were similar between males and females. However, mean hemoglobin was significantly lower, and mean white blood cell count was significantly higher in females; and mean calcium and mean creatinine were significantly lower in females compared to males.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the La Pacifica population appeared healthy based on the blood parameters analyzed from sampled individuals. Our results were also largely consistent with published data available from other populations of A. p. palliata, and with reference values for captive Alouatta caraya.

Integrated approaches to howler monkey (Alouatta spp.) medicine in professional care and conservation

Howler monkeys (Alouatta spp.) are threatened by anthropogenic pressures such as habitat fragmentation and deforestation, while conservation efforts are challenging to coordinate as natural geographic distribution ranges are the largest of any New World primate. On a One Health front, howler monkeys represent a great model to investigate the infectious disease dynamics between wild primates and humans as several infectious diseases affecting howlers have a demonstrated zoonotic potential. Howler monkey populations in professional care offer a window to investigate susceptibility to diseases in this species such as yellow fever (YF) and malaria, plus a myriad of endoparasite phyla, as well as vector-borne diseases such as Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. More studies are urgently needed to provide species-specific, medically relevant information as well as clinical descriptions of animals considered medically healthy. Moreover, howler monkeys are a challenging species to breed and maintain in professional care; additionally, reproductive parameters have been published only for a handful of species in this genus. On a One Health approach communication and collaborative health surveillance involving wildlife and zoo experts will ease the identification of factors that contribute to disease emergence facilitating the integration of human, animal, and environmental health. The One Welfare concept is based on the inextricable connection among animal welfare, human welfare, and environmental conservation. Integrating One Health and One Welfare into actions both in-situ and ex-situ will promote the sustainability of the forests and restoration of the ecosystems that those species inhabit, transitioning to a comprehensive One Conservation approach.

Lipid profile, apolipoproteins A-1 and B in owl monkeys (Aotus infulatus) in captivity

BACKGROUND

Owl monkeys (Aotus infulatus) are frequently affected by heart diseases and, as in humans, dyslipidemia is one of the predisposing factors for adverse cardiovascular events. In view of this, the study of the lipid profile and plasma apolipoproteins can contribute to the clinical management of this neotropical primate species.

METHODS

Lipid profile as well as A-1 and B apolipoprotein values were analyzed in 60 owl monkeys, studying their relationship with body biometry and the presence of cardiac alterations.

RESULTS

Animals suspected of having heart disease did not show significant differences (p < .05) in terms of biometry or in relation to lipid profile and apolipoproteins A-1 and B values; however, higher values of LDL and ApoB and ApoB/ApoA-1 were observed in this group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to describe the lipid profile and apolipoprotein values in owl monkeys, and further work will be needed to better elucidate the worthiness of LDL, ApoB, and the ApoB/ApoA-1 ratio in this primate species.

Serum biochemistry panel of free-living red-handed howler monkeys (Alouatta belzebul) in the Eastern Amazon

BACKGROUND

The red-handed howler monkey (Alouatta belzebul) is one of 116 imperiled Brazilian primate species. We aimed to determine the serum biochemical profile of free-ranging red-handed howler monkeys in a highly disturbed area of the eastern Amazon.

METHODS

We obtained serum samples from 26 monkeys, in which we analyzed 20 biochemical variables.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Calcium concentration was significantly lower in adult males (1.82 ± 0.25 mmol/L) than in adult females (2.10 ± 0.50 mmol/L). Both adults (males = 89 ± 85 UI/L, females = 62 ± 23 UI/L) had lower alkaline phosphatase serum activity than juvenile females (178 ± 120 UI/L). Adult male had higher levels of the direct bilirubin (13.9 ± 8.2 µmol/L) and creatinine (74.3 ± 19.4 µmol/L) than juvenile females (5.1 ± 1.4 µmol/L and 38.9 ± 15.0 µmol/L, respectively). This detailed biochemical profile may be useful for the management of red-handed howler monkeys in the wild and to support further studies at ex situ facilities.

Values of plasma total proteins of free-living marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) in an urban forest

BACKGROUND

Callithrix jacchus is a small primate widely used in experimentation, but data on plasma total protein (PTP) values of free-living animals inhabiting its own endemism region are non-existent.

METHODS

Marmosets belonging to two free-living groups were captured for marking and obtaining biological material. The collected blood was centrifuged to obtain the plasma and thus to determine the concentration of PTP.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Females and adults had the highest mean PTP. Mean found were higher than other values described for other neotropical primates, and the high PTP values presented by the animals indicate dehydration. Due to the importance of total plasma proteins for health and management, obtaining these values as a reference is relevant for the free-living Callithrix genus and other neotropical primates.

Hematological and serum biochemistry data on southern brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans) in captivity in Brazil

BACKGROUND

Physiological values reflect the health condition and responses of individuals to handling in captivity. The aim of this study was to establish hematological and serum biochemistry parameters of clinically healthy animals of the Alouatta guariba clamitans subspecies.

METHODS

We collected blood samples from adult males and females kept at the Center for Biological Research of Indaial after chemical containment with 3.9 mg/kg of tiletamine hydrochloride and zolazepam.

RESULTS

Significant differences between males and females were found in the levels of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, lymphocytes, neutrophils, platelets, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest the existence of sexual dimorphism in some physiological parameters of A guariba clamitans. The parameters reported herein can be used as reference values for other populations kept under similar conditions.