Occurrence and clinical significance of abnormal liver findings by ultrasound in captive owl monkeys

• Published in: Journal of medical primatology Vol. 51; no. 2; pp. 75 - 84
• Main Authors: Takeshita, Rafaela, Silva, Gessiane Pereira, Monteiro, Maria Vivina Barros, Pereira, Washington Luiz Assunção, Monteiro, Frederico Ozanan Barros
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Denmark Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.04.2022
• Subjects: Animals; Aotidae; clinical condition; Clinical significance; Edema; Gallbladder; Gallbladder - diagnostic imaging; hematology; Liver; Liver Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Liver Diseases - veterinary; liver function tests; nonhuman primates; Parenchyma; Septum; Steatosis; Ultrasonic imaging; Ultrasonography - veterinary; Ultrasound; liver function tests; hematology; clinical condition; nonhuman primates; ultrasound
• ISSN: 0047-2565; 1600-0684
• DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12559

Background Imaging diagnostic methods are essential for a complete understanding of the liver function and may aid in early detection of hepatic disorders. Methods Sixty‐nine owl monkeys were grouped in three age groups (AG): AG1 (<2 years old, n = 14), 2 (2–6 years old, n = 21), and 3 (>7 years old, n = 34). The animals were evaluated by ultrasound, liver function tests, and hemogram. Results The ultrasound revealed abnormal findings in the parenchyma (“starry sky” and steatosis) and/or in the gallbladder (cholelithiasis, septum, and wall edema) in 17 individuals, with higher incidence in AG3 individuals. Seven hepatic individuals showed alterations in the blood tests. Conclusion Our study reported the occurrence of abnormal liver findings by ultrasound in owl monkeys and their associated clinical analyses. We recommend the regular use of ultrasound to evaluate liver condition in owl monkeys, particularly in old individuals.