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Horseshoe kidneys in vervet monkeys
J V Seier1, J E Fincham, J J Taljaard
1Research Institute for Nutritional Diseases of the South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg.
Journal of Medical Primatology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Two vervet monkeys had horseshoe kidneys, a fusion of the kidneys. This congenital anomaly did not impact their renal function or overall urogenital system anatomy.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Anatomy
- Primate Urology
- Congenital Anomalies
Background:
- Horseshoe kidney is a common congenital anomaly in humans and animals.
- Understanding its occurrence in non-human primates is crucial for comparative anatomy and veterinary medicine.
- Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) serve as valuable models in biomedical research.
Observation:
- This report details two cases of horseshoe kidneys identified in adult vervet monkeys.
- The renal fusion was the primary observed abnormality.
- Detailed examination of the associated urogenital system was performed.
Findings:
- The horseshoe kidney anomaly involved fusion of the renal parenchyma.
- No other structural abnormalities were noted in the urogenital system of either individual.
- Renal function, assessed clinically, appeared unaffected by the fusion.
- Microscopic examination of renal tissue revealed normal cellular structure and organization.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that horseshoe kidney in vervet monkeys may be a non-pathological incidental finding.
- This has implications for the interpretation of renal health in captive or wild vervet monkey populations.
- Further studies could explore the prevalence and genetic basis of this anomaly in primates.