Systemic and Cardiac Amyloidosis in Captive Celebes Crested Macaques (Macacanigra)

Abstract

Systemic amyloidosis has been described in many animals and the most common form is reactive systemic AA amyloidosis. However, cardiac amyloidosis leading to heart failure is rare in animals. We now describe systemic and cardiac amyloidosis in two captive endangered Celebes crested macaques (Macaca nigra) at the Singapore Zoo. Both animals were geriatric and had chronic morbidities. Physical examination, radiography and ultrasonography revealed cardiac arrhythmia, pleural effusion, pulmonary oedema and ascites, consistent with cardiac failure. Amyloidosis was suspected and confirmed as type AA by immunohistochemistry.

Keywords: AA amyloidosis; Macaca nigra; heart; non-human primate.