Thoracic radiography of healthy captive male and female Squirrel monkey (Saimiri spp.)

PLoS One. 2018 Aug 7;13(8):e0201646. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201646. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

The purpose of this prospective study was to describe the normal anatomy and provide reference ranges for measurements of thoracic radiography on Squirrel monkeys (n = 13). Thoracic radiography is a common non-invasive diagnostic tool for both cardiac and non-cardiac thoracic structures. Furthermore cardiac disease is a common condition in captive primates. In this study, left-right lateral, right-left lateral and dorsoventral projections of 13 healthy Squirrel monkeys were reviewed during their annual health examinations. The mean Vertebral Heart Score on the left-right and right-left lateral projections were 8,98 ± 0,25 and 8,85 ± 0,35 respectively. The cardio-thoracic ratio on the dorsoventral projection was 0,68 ± 0,03. The trachea to inlet ratio was 0,33 ± 0,04. Other measurements are provided for the skeletal, cardiac and respiratory systems. Knowledge of the normal radiographic thoracic anatomy is fundamental in clinical as well as research settings for accurate diagnosis of diseases.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Female
  • Heart / anatomy & histology
  • Heart Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Diseases / veterinary
  • Male
  • Monkey Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Prospective Studies
  • Radiography, Thoracic / veterinary*
  • Saimiri / anatomy & histology*
  • Spine / anatomy & histology
  • Thorax / anatomy & histology
  • Trachea / anatomy & histology

Grants and funding

The authors received no specific funding for this work. Tim Bouts is an independent practitioner affiliated to, but not funded by, Zoo of Pairi Daiza, Brugelette, Belgium. Zoo of Pairi Daiza did not have a role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The specific role of this author is articulated in the ‘author contributions’ section.