Serum chemistry concentrations of captive woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha)

Abstract

Woolly monkeys (Lagothrix sp.) are threatened species and numerous zoos have failed to sustain successful populations. The most common causes of death in captive woolly monkeys are related to pregnancy and hypertension. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate serum concentrations of a large number of captive woolly monkeys to establish baseline means and compare these concentrations with their closest related species to determine potential abnormalities. Serum analyses from 30 woolly monkeys housed at two institutions (Apenheul, The Netherlands and The Louisville Zoo, KY, USA) over 12 yr were collected. The statistical model included gender, age group (young, 0-4 yr of age; middle, 5-9 yr; and old, 10+ yr), and zoological institution. All panel result means were similar to previously reported concentrations for howler (Alouatta sp.) and spider monkeys (Ateles sp.) with the possible exception of alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl-transferase being higher, whereas creatinine and phosphorus were lower. The serum glucose mean of 6.7 mmol/L is above the baseline range for humans and spider monkeys. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase, and sodium (Na) were higher in females and magnesium (Mg) was higher in males (P<0.05). ALP, Mg, and phosphorus were highest (P<0.05) and calcium and sodium tended to be highest (P<0.10) in the oldest animals. Ferritin tended to be highest (P<0.10) in the oldest animals. Albumin, ALP, chloride, Na, and total bilirubin were higher for Zoo A, whereas gamma-glutamyl-transferase, glucose, and lactate dehydrogenase were lower for Zoo A (P<0.05). Areas of potential woolly monkey health risk were noted and discussed. Future studies are needed to determine free-ranging serum concentrations to elucidate parameters that contain aberrant concentrations and decrease health status.

Integrated approaches to howler monkey (Alouatta spp.) medicine in professional care and conservation

“…Howler monkey populations in professional care offer a window to investigate disease susceptibility to various diseases and clinical problems in these species which can explain pathophysiologic processes that also affect wild populations. Most of the medical issues clinicians deal with in New World primate species in professional care are nutritional or infectious in nature ( 15 ). The literature regarding diseases in howler monkeys in professional care is sparse, so it is vital that clinical samples from individuals in zoological institutions are collected to standardize and validate data obtained from the numerous diagnostic methods available ( 16 ).…”