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Diet-Induced Bloat in Confiscated Capped Langurs (Trachypithecus pileatus): Clinical Management and Conservation
Joytu Kumar Mondal1,2, Mahir Anjum3, Arnob Saha2
1Creative Conservation Alliance, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Background:
Capped langurs (Trachypithecus pileatus) are a globally threatened Asian colobine primate and represent the most frequently trafficked primate species in Bangladesh. This species possesses a highly specialized foregut fermentation system adapted for a predominantly folivorous diet. Consequently, inappropriate feeding practices in captivity, particularly among confiscated individuals, often lead to severe and potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal complications.
Methods:
We report the clinical presentation, treatment protocol and outcomes of diet-induced bloat in two juvenile capped langurs (aged 1.5-2 years) confiscated from illegal wildlife trade in Bangladesh. Following 4 months of fruit-predominant feeding at a temporary housing facility, both animals developed acute bloat upon transfer to a specialized wildlife rehabilitation centre.
Results:
Clinical signs were severe abdominal distension, lethargy and anorexia. Treatment included oral simethicone (4 mg/kg BID), intramuscular marbofloxacin (2 mg/kg SID for 5 days) and supportive adjunctive treatment in the form of therapeutic abdominal massage. Both langurs had complete clinical recovery within 120 h, with symptomatically discernible improvement within 48 h.
Conclusions:
This case demonstrates effective multimodal management of bloat in confiscated colobine primates and emphasizes the overriding significance of species-specific nutrition in wildlife rehabilitation. The described treatment regimen offers evidence-based guidelines for similar clinical scenarios in captive primate medicine.
