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Congenital cataracts in a free-ranging rhesus monkey
Journal of Medical Primatology
|January 1, 1985
Summary
Congenital cataracts were observed in a young rhesus monkey with visual impairment. This finding is significant as another monkey from the same family group was previously born with congenital blindness.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Ophthalmology
- Primate Genetics
- Congenital Abnormalities
Background:
- Congenital cataracts and blindness can occur in non-human primates.
- Genetic factors may predispose certain rhesus monkey lineages to ocular defects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of congenital cataracts in a rhesus monkey.
- To note the occurrence in a lineage with a history of congenital blindness.
Main Methods:
- Clinical examination of a visually-impaired yearling rhesus monkey.
- Review of the animal's lineage and medical history.
Main Results:
- The yearling rhesus monkey presented with congenital cataracts.
- The affected monkey belonged to the same matriline as a previously identified congenitally blind infant.
Conclusions:
- Congenital cataracts may be a recurring issue within this rhesus monkey matriline.
- Further investigation into the genetic basis of ocular defects in this population is warranted.