Cholelithiasis in Four Callitrichid Species (Leontopithecus, Callithrix)

Abstract

Medical records of three male and three female callitrichids of four species (Leontopithecus chrysopygus, Leontopithecus rosalia, Callithrix argentata argentata, Callithrix kuhlii) diagnosed with cholelithiasis were reviewed. Ages of affected animals at the time of diagnosis ranged from 2-14 yr. Definitive antemortem diagnosis of cholelithiasis was made in four of the six cases. Chronic weight loss, lethargy, and weakness were seen in all cases. Chronic intermittent diarrhea was seen in three cases. Icterus and abnormal gait were each present in two of the animals. Hematologic and serum biochemical abnormalities included leukocytosis in five cases, elevated bilirubin (direct and indirect) in four cases, and anemia in four cases. Radiographic evidence of choleliths was observed in three cases. Surgical removal of choleliths was successfully performed on two animals. Full necropsies were performed on all cases, and choleliths were believed to contribute to morbidity in all cases. However, inflammatory bowel disease was determined to be the primary cause of weight loss and mortality in at least three animals. All choleliths analyzed were pigment stones, two being primarily composed of cystine.

Factors influencing weight changes in callitrichids at the Bronx zoo

“…The effects of nutrition and illness on weight in these primates remains poorly understood [Kirkwood, 1983], though some recent progress has been made [Gozalo and Montoya, 1991;Smith et al, 2006]. Field studies of wild saddle-backed tamarins (Saguinus fuscicollis) have shown that weight may fluctuate in response to food availability [Goldizen et al, 1988].…”

“…Field studies of wild saddle-backed tamarins (Saguinus fuscicollis) have shown that weight may fluctuate in response to food availability [Goldizen et al, 1988]. In addition, tumors, gallstones, viral, bacterial and parasitic infections have been documented to cause weight loss [Baichman et al, 2006;Hawkins et al, 1997;Logan and Kahn, 1996;Ludlage and Mansfield, 2003;Pearson et al, 1987;Sainsbury et al, 1987;Smith et al, 2006]. Marmosets are susceptible to a number of chronic inflammatory colitis conditions [Sainsbury et al, 1993;Smith et al, 2006].…”

“…In addition, tumors, gallstones, viral, bacterial and parasitic infections have been documented to cause weight loss [Baichman et al, 2006;Hawkins et al, 1997;Logan and Kahn, 1996;Ludlage and Mansfield, 2003;Pearson et al, 1987;Sainsbury et al, 1987;Smith et al, 2006]. Marmosets are susceptible to a number of chronic inflammatory colitis conditions [Sainsbury et al, 1993;Smith et al, 2006]. The evidence from these studies purports that fluctuations in weight may be indicative of overall health.…”

A case of gallstones in an African green monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops)

“…Indeed, spontaneous cholelithiasis has been reported in several species of primates (Anver et al, 1972;Baer et al, 1990;Pissinatti et al, 1992;Smith et al, 2006;Slingluff et al, 2010;Plesker et al, 2012;Lieberman et al, 2016). Although little is known about gallstones in AGMs, in some aspects the development of gallstones in humans and in susceptible species such as some Saimiri species (Lieberman et al, 2016) and AGMs share similarities.…”

“…Meanwhile, these historical model animals have been replaced by rodent models such as the Syrian hamster and mouse models (Combettes-Souverain et al, 2002;Wang and Lee, 2008). However, cholelithiasis and its associated disorders appear to be less common in primates compared to humans (Smith et al, 2006). To date, diet-induced cholesterol gallstones have been described in AGMs (Rudel et al, 1994, whereas little is known about spontaneous gallstones in AGMs, especially pigment and mixed gallstones.…”