Atresia Ani with Imperforate Anus in a Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

In November 2015, an 83-d-old juvenile male common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) in good body condition was found dead in his family cage with no previous premonitory signs. Necropsy revealed a gas-distended abdomen, feces-distended large bowel, and a full-thickness distal colonic perforation resulting in fecal peritonitis. The distal colon ended in a blind pouch at 7 mm prior to the expected anal opening, consistent with atresia ani. Here we present this case, briefly discuss the human and veterinary literature regarding correction of anorectal malformations, and highlight the importance of identifying such devastating congenital defects in breeding colonies while limiting the disruption and handling of seemingly healthy, young NHP raised in a complex social setting.