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Obstructive gastric foreign body in a rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta)
Laboratory Animal Science
|August 1, 1976
Summary
A rhesus monkey experienced weight loss and depression due to ingesting pine wood, causing a gastric foreign body. Replacing pine with oak resting platforms resolved the issue, preventing further cases of obstructive gastric foreign bodies.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Primate Health
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Gastrointestinal foreign bodies are a concern in captive primates.
- Pine wood has been implicated in previous cases of impaction in rhesus monkeys.
- Environmental enrichment materials require careful selection to prevent health issues.
Observation:
- A rhesus monkey presented with significant weight loss and signs of depression.
- Diagnostic evaluation revealed an obstructive gastric foreign body composed of pine wood fragments.
- This represented a recurring problem within a short timeframe.
Findings:
- Ingestion of pine wood fragments led to a critical gastric obstruction.
- The specific material of the resting platform was identified as the source of the foreign body.
- A causal link was established between pine wood exposure and gastrointestinal obstruction.
Implications:
- Environmental modifications, such as material selection for enclosures, are crucial for preventing foreign body ingestion in captive primates.
- Oak wood platforms appear to be a safe alternative to pine wood for rhesus monkey habitats.
- This case highlights the importance of vigilant monitoring and environmental risk assessment in zoological settings.