Abdominal ultrasonography of the healthy howler monkey (Alouatta fusca).

Raquel Sartor,Ricardo C Lehmkuhl,Marilia G Luciani,Maria J Mamprim,Thiago R Müller,Carlos R Teixeira,Livia P De Souza

doi:10.1002/vms3.54

Abstract

Abdominal ultrasonography was performed in six healthy adult brown howler monkeys Alouatta fusca and the normal ultrasonographic anatomy of the liver, gallbladder, stomach and urinary tract described for the first time. Findings were compared with post‐mortem studies. The renal cortex was isoechoic to the spleen and isoechoic or hyperechoic to the liver. Kidney length and renal arterial resistive index, systolic and diastolic velocity were calculated. The liver showed a homogeneous hypoechogenic echotexture. The aim of this study was to describe the normal abdominal viscera echoanatomy providing information of normal abdominal anatomical structures in the howler monkey.

Highlights

More than 24 species of primates can be found in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, a tropical dry forest extending along the coast of Brazil and inland to Paraguay and Argentina (Bicca et al 2006)
Alouatta fusca is known as Alouatta guariba and it was listed as critically endangered by the IUCN red list, but is it classified as least concern (Mendes et al 2008)
Howler monkeys are commonly kept in captivity and knowledge of normal ultrasonographic anatomy is useful for diagnosis of disease in injured wild monkeys and in captive populations

Summary

Introduction

More than 24 species of primates can be found in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, a tropical dry forest extending along the coast of Brazil and inland to Paraguay and Argentina (Bicca et al 2006). Howler monkeys Alouatta spp have a wide distribution within various biomes are found in the neotropical region. Alouatta fusca is known as Alouatta guariba and it was listed as critically endangered by the IUCN red list, but is it classified as least concern (Mendes et al 2008). Anatomical studies and information on endangered species have been shown to be important in conservation efforts (Costa et al 2005; Lindenmayer et al 2000). Howler monkeys are free roaming wild animals in Brazil and South America, and they are frequently involved in road accidents and are sometimes presented to small animal or wildlife veterinarians with injuries. Howler monkeys are commonly kept in captivity and knowledge of normal ultrasonographic anatomy is useful for diagnosis of disease in injured wild monkeys and in captive populations

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