Unusual clinicopathologic findings of chronic colitis associated with anemia, myopathy and steatitis in a common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

摘要

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) of this report was a privately owned, 2 yr-old female housed with an age-matched male. The facility housed another breeding pair of common marmosets, a squirrel monkey, and a variety of birds and reptiles in separate rooms. At the time of acquisition, hypotrichosis of the tail of the female marmoset was present and the female was noted to routinely consume more food than the male. The initial diet consisted of cereal mixes supplemented with powdered calcium and animal protein (milk and egg yolk), commercial dry parrot food, mixed fruits (fresh and dry), and insects. Fifteen days after acquisition, the female was presented with a 2-day history of partial anorexia and a several-hour history of vomiting. Examination revealed a high body weight (375 g) despite suboptimal body condition, locally extensive hypotrichosis of the tail, and pregnancy. Supportive therapy consisted of metoclopramide (0.05 mg i. m., Primperan~R, Barcelona, Spain), vitamin E-selenium (7 mg/kg E - 0.07 mg/kg Se i. m., Vitasel~R, Laboratorios Ovejero, Leon, Spain). Hematologic findings were hemoconcentration (PCV 52%, albumin = 4.07 g/dl), eosinophilia (2059/#mu#l, 29%), hyperfibrinogenemia (507 mg/dl), hypocalcemia (corrected calcium 7.23 mg/dl), low BUN (7 mg/dl) and hyperglycemia (308 mg/dl after an 8-hr fasting). ALT, AST, amylase, lipase, cholesterol, triglycerides and total blood lipids were normal. Serum insulin was 0.6 #mu#U/ml (tested 11 mo later with serum stored at -80 deg C). Anorexia and vomiting resolved. Four days later, hyperglycemia (310 mg/dl after a 12-hr fasting) was still present. A presumptive diagnosis of acute pancreatitis and/or diabetes associated with pregnancy was made. Therapy affected both animals and consisted of dietary control of diabetes by reducing simple carbohydrates in diet (fruits and cereal mixes discontinued; Acacia arabic gum, cottage cheese, callitrichid maintenance pellets (Marmoset diet 52840000, Zeigler Bros., Inc., Garners, PA 17324 USA) and increased numbers insects offered), ivermectin (200 #mu#g/kg p.o. repeated in 15 days; Ivomec~R, Merck Sharp & Dohme BV, Haarlem, The Netherlands) and 60 ppm zinc in the drinking water.