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Background: This study evaluated the presence of rotavirus groups A, B, and C (RV-A, RV-B, and RV-C), sapovirus (SaV), and norovirus (NoV) in asymptomatic non-human primates (NHP)., Methods: Fecal samples were collected from 19 recently captured (Red-howler, Alouatta guariba clamitans, n = 18; Howler, Alouatta caraya, n = 1) and 43 free-ranging NHP (Marmosets, Callithrix spp., Callithrix penicillata, n = 30; Black-faced lion tamarin, Leontopithecus caissara, n = 12, Red-howler, Alouatta guariba clamitans, n = 1) that were maintained in southern Brazil without manifestation of diarrhea. Screening was performed by a combination of silver-stained polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (ss-PAGE) and RT-PCR analyses., Results: All samples were negative for RV-A, RV-B, RV-C, SaV, and NoV by both assays., Conclusion: The negative results obtained might be due to the absence of clinical manifestations of disease in the population of NHP evaluated., (© 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

A 41‐year‐old male vasectomized, zoo‐housed chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) presented with progressive visual deficits due to bilateral cataract formation. Phacoemulsification and lenticular implant were performed by a veterinary and human board‐certified ophthalmologist team in a field setting. Post‐operative healing occurred without complication, and the patient returned to the troop with improved vision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Establish baseline values for ophthalmic diagnostic tests in Sapajus libidinosus. Methods: Ophthalmic diagnostic tests, namely Schirmer tear test 1 (STT‐1), intraocular pressure (IOP), B‐mode ultrasound, culture of the bacterial conjunctival microbiota, and conjunctival exfoliative cytology, were performed in 15 S. libidinosus. Results: Mean values found were as follows: 2.50 ± 2.94 mm/min for the STT‐1; 13.3 ± 3.32 mm Hg for the IOP; 2.47 ± 0.41 mm for the depth of the anterior chamber; 2.86 ± 0.96 mm for the axial length of the lens; 10.97 ± 0.48 mm for the depth of the vitreous chamber; and 16.32 ± 1.24 mm for the axial length of the eyeball. The bacterial genus most frequently found was Staphylococcus spp. Conjunctival cytology showed intermediate epithelial, squamous superficial epithelial, and keratinized cells. Conclusions: Determination of baseline values for eye measurements and ophthalmic tests will assist in the diagnosis of eye diseases in S. libidinosus monkeys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To evaluate the composition and characteristics of capuchin monkey (CM) tear film. Methods: Eleven CM (Sapajus sp.) was evaluated. Strip meniscometry test (SMT), osmolarity, and tear ferning test (TFT) (by Rolando and Masmali scales) were assessed. Tear protein profile (SDS‐PAGE), and total protein, albumin, urea, glucose, and cholesterol levels in tear film and blood serum were screened. Results: Median ± semi‐interquatil range for SMT and osmolarity values were 8.0 ± 1.625 and 303.0 ± 9.875, respectively. TFT for Rolando was 2.0 ± 0.5, and Masmali was 2.0 ± 0.0. Monkeys's tear obtained type II and III for Rolando, and 1 and 2 for Masmali. Tear components showed protein bands among 23‐217 kDa, and presence of albumin, urea, glucose, and cholesterol. Conclusions: The results of SMT, osmolarity, TFT, SDS‐PAGE, and tear biochemistry may serve as a reference baseline for CM, and the data may serve as a basis for future experimental model evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of bilateral cataract surgery performed in a 21-year-old western lowland gorilla. Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens insertion was performed using standard human surgical equipment. Visual function significantly improved. She subsequently mated and gave birth. Ultimately, cataract surgery enabled the birth of a baby gorilla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The increasing life span of Callithrix jacchus in combination with the occurrence of metabolic and age-dependent diseases requires improved health surveillance for this species. Methods The health status of 56 marmosets was studied using a non-invasive blood pressure (BP) device. Age-, weight-, and sex-dependent changes were analyzed. Four animals with striking BP findings had follow-up exams. Results Physiological and pathological BP values could be defined. BP positively correlated with age and weight, while no effect of sex could be found. Measurement time for female and older animals was shorter than for male and younger individuals. Further analysis of the suspicious patients revealed renal or hepatic diseases and cardiac alterations. Conclusion The description of age and weight influences on BP delivers physiological and pathological values for common marmosets. This may contribute to the understanding of aging process and cardiology in this primate species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Dissociative drugs are used for chemical restraint in monkeys. The aim was to evaluate muscle relaxation, recovery, and ophthalmic and hemodynamic parameters in 24 capuchin monkeys subjected to four dissociative anesthesia protocols. Methods Animals were anesthetized with tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ), ketamine-xylazine (KX), ketamine-midazolam (KM), or ketamine-dexmedetomidine (KD). Muscle relaxation, digital reflex, lacrimal production, intraocular pressure (IOP), heart and respiratory rates, oxygen saturation (SpO2), rectal temperature, non-invasive arterial blood pressure, palpebral and pupillary reflexes, and eyeball positioning were evaluated every 5 minutes for 20 minutes. Results Muscle relaxation was highest in KM and KD. At 5-inute post-injection, IOP was higher in TZ than in all other groups. There was a significant difference between groups and times in heart and respiratory rates and temperature. There were no significant differences in SpO2, arterial blood pressure, and lacrimal production between groups. Conclusions The established parameters may help in clinical and ophthalmic examinations of primates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This study aimed to establish reference values for selected ophthalmic diagnostic tests in healthy neotropical primates from Salvador, Brazil. Methods A total of 73 intact adults, including Callithrix jacchus (n = 31), Callithrix penicillata (n = 8), Cebus sp. (n = 22), and Cebus xanthosternos (n = 9) were used to evaluate the normal conjunctival bacterial flora. Cebus xanthosternos (n = 12) were used to evaluate tear production with Schirmer's tear test ( STT), intraocular pressure ( IOP), and conjunctival cytology. Results For all animals evaluated, Gram-positive bacteria were predominant. Results of the diagnostic tests in Cebus xanthosternos were as follows: STT: 14.92 ± 5.46 mm/minutes, IOP: 19.62 ± 4.57 mmHg, and conjunctival cytology revealed intermediate squamous epithelial cells in great quantities. Conclusions These ophthalmic reference values will be particularly useful to diagnose discrete or unusual pathological changes in the neotropical primates eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To describe the pre-surgical, surgical, and post-surgical considerations for phacoemulsification in non-human primates. Methods Records of non-human primates that underwent phacoemulsification by the Ophthalmology Services of FHCV- UAB and HCV- UM, between 2003 and 2009 were reviewed. Results Five primates were represented: one gorilla, one chimpanzee, one pygmy marmoset, one orangutan, and one chacma baboon. Three were males and two females, of a median age of 16.8 years. Four primates presented bilateral cataracts and one unilateral (n = 9 eyes). Cataracts were immature in two eyes, mature in four and hypermature in 3. One-handed phacoemulsification was used in seven eyes and a two-handed technique in 2. Intraocular lenses ( IOLs), with optic powers between +19.0 and +21.5D, were implanted in the four large-sized primates. All the primates were more active and social after the surgery. Conclusion Phacoemulsification in non-human primates is highly successful and associated with an overall good visual outcome. Nevertheless, specific considerations should be applied in these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]