Medical management of inflammatory bowel disease in a spider monkey

Inflammatory bowel disease was diagnosed in a 3-year-old, captive-born, hand-raised, female spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi). The diagnosis was based on clinical signs, positive-contrast radiographic series, endoscopy, histologic appearance of intestinal biopsy specimens, and the monkey's response to treatment. Treatment consisted of oral administration of prednisone, sulfasalazine, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Supportive care included a bland diet and an electrolyte solution given free choice. Although several infective agents were considered, this case illustrates that recurrent enteritis in primates may be noninfectious and may respond to anti-inflammatory agents.