Gallstones in slender lorises (Loris tardigradus)

Occurrence and clinical significance of abnormal liver findings by ultrasound in captive owl monkeys

BACKGROUND

Imaging diagnostic methods are essential for a complete understanding of the liver function and may aid in early detection of hepatic disorders.

METHODS

Sixty-nine owl monkeys were grouped in three age groups (AG): AG1 (<2 years old, n = 14), 2 (2-6 years old, n = 21), and 3 (>7 years old, n = 34). The animals were evaluated by ultrasound, liver function tests, and hemogram.

RESULTS

The ultrasound revealed abnormal findings in the parenchyma ("starry sky" and steatosis) and/or in the gallbladder (cholelithiasis, septum, and wall edema) in 17 individuals, with higher incidence in AG3 individuals. Seven hepatic individuals showed alterations in the blood tests.

CONCLUSION

Our study reported the occurrence of abnormal liver findings by ultrasound in owl monkeys and their associated clinical analyses. We recommend the regular use of ultrasound to evaluate liver condition in owl monkeys, particularly in old individuals.

A case of gallstones in an African green monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops)

Spontaneous cholelithiasis was found in a male African green monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops) at necropsy. Choleliths varied in size, shape and colour. Gallstones were analysed using accepted analytical methods. Results showed that the gallstones were composed of cholesterol and protein in varying proportions. Histologically, the gallbladder showed diffuse mild to moderate lymphocytic infiltration. The etiology of the cholelithiasis in the examined individual remains unknown.

SUCCESSFUL SURGICAL TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE LIVER DISEASE CAUSED BY A BILIARY CALCULUS IN A CAPTIVE CHIMPANZEE (PAN TROGLODYTES)

A 40-yr-old female chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) presented with intermittent, short-duration episodes of nonspecific clinical signs that included lethargy and reduced responsiveness to external stimuli. Clinical examination and diagnostics suggested obstructive hepatic disease, which was confirmed by subsequent ultrasonographic examination. During routine laparotomy, a biliary calculus was removed from the distal common bile duct and the gallbladder was removed, which resulted in complete clinical recovery. The biliary calculus was analyzed as a mixed composition of predominantly cholesterol, bilirubin, and calcium.