T-cell-rich B-cell lymphoma in a ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta).

A 13-yr-old ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) was evaluated for depression, anorexia, polyuria, and polydipsia. The lemur was in poor body condition and was anemic, hypoalbuminemic, and hyponatremic. Cytologic examination of aspirates of the spleen, liver, and bone marrow and histopathologic examination of liver and bone marrow biopsies revealed a disseminated round cell tumor. After euthanasia, necropsy revealed hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and mesenteric lymphadenomegaly. Neoplastic cells were present within the spleen, liver, kidneys, multiple lymph nodes, bone marrow, lung, small intestine, pancreas, and testicle and were composed of large anaplastic round cells in a background of small well-differentiated lymphocytes. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the small well-differentiated lymphocytes labeled for the anti-human T-cell marker, CD3, and the large anaplastic round cells labeled with the anti-human B-cell marker, CD79a. On the basis of the immunohistochemical staining results and morphologic appearance, a diagnosis of a T-cell-rich B-cell lymphoma was made.     

环尾狐猴的行为训练探讨

2011年1～10月,采用正强化方法对成都动物园饲养的5只环尾狐猴开展了行为训练工作.训练通过口令、响板和食物的关联建立条件反射,从而达到训练目标.训练的结果为:经过15 d左右的训练,环尾狐猴与训练员之间基本建立了信任关系,但不同个体有一些差异.通过进一步训练,达到了以下的一些目标:伸手、坐、听诊、测体温、进笼等.在动物完成训练目标的基础上,获得了2只环尾狐猴在非麻醉状态下的上、下午腋温和心率,分别为37.7±0.4℃、37.9±0.3℃和112.8±15.0次/min.     

兰州市动物园环尾狐猴的饲养管理

环尾狐猴(Lemur catta),是狐猴科狐猴属的一个种,具有较高的观赏展出和科研价值。主要分布于非洲南部的马达加斯加岛南部和西南部。本研究对甘肃省兰州市动物园的环尾狐猴进行了调查研究,主要从环尾狐猴的生物学特性,日常饲养,常见疾病的治疗等方面阐述了动物园中环尾狐猴的饲养管理,以提高环尾狐猴饲养的福利水平,为其生物学研究及饲养管理提供科学依据。     

Hepatic capillariasis in captive ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta)

A female ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) and her two cubs held in a zoo in Chile exhibited signs of severe hepatic insufficiency. In spite of supportive treatment, the three animals died a few days after the onset of signs. Postmortem examination revealed ascites and fibrotic lesions in the liver of all the individuals. Histologically, the liver of two of them showed a severe parasitic ova infection and lipidosis, the morphologic characteristics of the parasitic ovas were consistent with Capillaria hepatica (syn. Calodium hepatica) eggs. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first clinical case report of hepatic capillariasis in prosimians, and its implications are discussed.     

定时饲喂器丰容对笼养环尾狐猴(Lemur catta)行为的影响

2017年3—6月,在上海动物园笼养环尾狐猴展区布设定时饲喂器,探讨其对环尾狐猴(Lemur catta)行为的影响。采用瞬时扫描法记录环尾狐猴行为,分析环尾狐猴的行为变化及其对定时饲喂器的认知。开展定时饲喂器丰容后,环尾狐猴的休息行为显著减少,移动和取食行为显著增加(Mann-Whitney U,P<0.05),对展区空间利用发生了显著变化(chi-square test,P<0.05)。环尾狐猴通过学习,适应了定时投喂器的工作模式,并形成了相应的行为模式。本次丰容在短时间内效果较好,但在后期,动物的反应速度减慢。     

Thoracic Limb Morphology of the Ring‐tailed Lemur (Lemur catta) Evidenced by Gross Osteology and Radiography

There is limited information available on the morphology of the thoracic limb of the ring‐tailed lemur (Lemur catta). This study describes the morphology of the thoracic limb of captive ring‐tailed lemurs evidenced by gross osteology and radiography as a guide for clinical use. Radiographic findings of 12 captive ring‐tailed lemurs are correlated with bone specimens of three adult animals. The clavicle is well developed. The scapula has a large area for the origin of the m. teres major. The coracoid and hamate processes are well developed. The lateral supracondylar crest and medial epicondyle are prominent. The metacarpal bones are widely spread, and the radial tuberosity is prominent. These features indicate the presence of strong flexor muscles and flexibility of thoracic limb joints, which are important in arboreal quadrupedal locomotion. Furthermore, an ovoid ossicle is always seen at the inter‐phalangeal joint of the first digit. Areas of increased soft tissue opacity are superimposed over the proximal half of the humerus and distal half of the antebrachium in male animals as a result of the scent gland. Knowledge of the morphology of the thoracic limb of individual species is important for accurate interpretation and diagnosis of musculoskeletal diseases.     

Prevention of urethral blockage following semen collection in two species of lemur, Varecia variegata variegata and Lemur catta.

Lemurs are a diverse group of primates comprised of five families, all of which are found only on Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. Of the 60 known species, 17 are endangered and 5 of these are considered critically endangered. The effects of inbreeding on population health and viability have been well described; though negative inbreeding effects can be ameliorated through the introduction of new genetic material. Introduction of new individuals into a population can be extremely challenging because of the highly social nature of lemurs. Semen collection in lemur species is notoriously challenging, as the ejaculate forms a coagulum. During normal breeding, the coagulum forms a copulatory plug in the female. However, this coagulum can present a life-threatening situation when retained in the urethra abnormally following electroejaculation. This study investigates the use of ascorbic acid in preventing urethral blockage in two lemur species during semen collection, demonstrates successful collection of semen by electroejaculation from two species of lemur during the breeding season, and discusses removal of urethral plugs subsequent to semen collection. Semen was collected successfully from all animals. Urethral plugs formed during each collection and were abnormally retained in 2/11 collections. Both plugs were successfully and immediately removed with the use of retropulsion through a urethral catheter. Although the results of this study are encouraging, more investigation is required to establish whether or not this procedure can be safely performed in the field.     

环尾狐猴在华南地区的饲养与繁殖

以广州动物园人工饲养的10只环尾狐猴（雄性5只,雌性5只）为研究对象,根据广州地区多雨潮湿的气候条件,以400m。草地作为饲养场地,配置栖枝、凉亭和恒温保暖箱,采取逐只投喂的办法进行饲养。在广州地区的气候条件下,环尾狐猴2岁即可进行繁殖交配,发情期为8～9月,妊娠期为5个月,育幼主要由母猴来完成,雄猴可参与育幼,母猴有明显的护食行为。当气温低于15℃时,狐猴进入恒温保暖箱活动。在华南地区的气候条件下,环尾狐猴的饲养管理需做好防雨、防晒工作,冬季气温低于15℃时需开启恒温保暖设施。在繁殖育幼期,需添加面包虫等食物,并合理搭配成年雌雄性狐猴比例,防止动物打斗而出现伤亡。本文主要阐述环尾狐猴在广州地区的饲养繁殖、防寒保暖、环境丰容等方面的技术要点,为在华南地区环尾狐猴的保育及进一步研究奠定基础。     

Evaluation of modified techniques for immobilization of wild ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta)

Wild ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) can be anesthetized with Telazol via blow dart, but improved techniques are needed so that each lemur is reliably induced with a single dart. Medetomidine-butorphanol (MB) is a good supplemental protocol to be administered once the lemurs are captured, but other protocols may provide longer periods of sedation and immobility. One possible way of increasing the efficacy of each dart is to increase the time it is retained in the leg. In this investigation, a "double-sleeve" technique was used to try to increase the time of dart retention. This technique used a standard silicone sleeve on the needle, along with a second sleeve at the needle hub. Induction values were compared between lemurs darted with double-sleeve needles and those induced with needles that each had a single silicone sleeve. Once the lemurs were induced, supplementation with MB (0.04 mg/kg and 0.2 mg/kg) was compared with supplementation with ketamine-medetomidine (KM) (10 mg/ kg and 0.04 mg/kg). Twenty-three lemurs were darted with Telazol by using single-sleeve needles, and 24 were darted with double-sleeve needles. The number of darts per lemur and number of escapes were not different between animals darted with a single sleeve compared with a double-sleeve; thus, there were no significant improvements in induction success with the double-sleeve technique. Adequate sedation and muscle relaxation were achieved with both MB and KM; however, lemurs that received MB were more relaxed and needed fewer additional supplements that those that received KM. Single-sleeve dart needles are recommended for Telazol induction of ring-tailed lemurs via blow dart and MB is preferable to KM for supplemental sedation and muscle relaxation.     

Cuterebrid myiasis (Diptera: Oestridae) in captive ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) at a South Carolina zoo

In September 2008, two ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta), comprising a mother-daughter pair, at the Greenville Zoo, Greenville, South Carolina, USA, were diagnosed with cuterebrid myiasis (Diptera: Oestridae) subsequent to sudden death of the adult lemur. On necropsy, a single bot warble was discovered in the subcutis of the axillary region. Histopathology revealed a severe eosinophilic bronchopneumonia. The juvenile lemur was inspected and found to have warbles on three separate dates in late September. One representative bot fly larva was identified as a Cuterebra sp. that normally infests lagomorphs in the southeastern United States. Cuterebrid myiasis is rarely reported in lemurs and has not been previously associated with pneumonia or death in these animals.     

A case report of a renal mixed epithelial and stromal tumor in a heterozygous S1P2 receptor deficient mouse

We report a case of mixed epithelial and stromal tumor of the kidney (MESTK) in a 32-week-old heterozygous sphingosine 1-phosphate-2 (S1P2) receptor deficient female mouse. A white solid mass replacing the left kidney was observed at the left retroperitoneal wall. Histologically, the tumor mass consisted of dimorphic cellular components of epithelial and stromal cells. Epithelial cells formed various sized irregular-shaped tubular structures resembling renal tubules surrounded by stromal cells. Immunohistochemically, epithelial cells were positive for cytokeratin, while stromal cells showed positive immunoreactivity with alpha-smooth muscle actin as well as vimentin. Based on the morphological and immunohistochemical findings, this tumor was diagnosed as a MESTK.     

环尾狐猴和松鼠猴触达不同特征目标物的手偏好

以笼养环尾狐猴(Lemur catta)和松鼠猴(Saimiri sciureus)为研究对象,在国际上首次关注原猴亚目(Strepsirrhini)和新大陆猴(Platyrrhini)物种触达不同特征目标物(有生命目标物和无生命目标物)的手偏好表达特点。研究发现:(1)面对有生命和无生命目标物,环尾狐猴和松鼠猴均表现出个体水平上的手偏好,但无群组水平上的手偏好;(2)目标物特征和手偏好之间无显著交互作用。面对有生命目标物,环尾狐猴左手的使用频率高于右手,而松鼠猴则相反;面对无生命目标物,2物种左手的使用频率均高于右手;(3)面对各个类型目标物的手偏好方向和强度,物种间均无显著差异。关于环尾狐猴的研究结果在一定程度上支持任务复杂度假说、姿势起源理论和右脑半球假说,不支持工具使用理论;关于松鼠猴的研究结果在一定程度上支持任务复杂度假说和姿势起源理论,不支持右脑半球假说和工具使用理论。     

Field anesthesia of wild ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) using tiletamine-zolazepam, medetomidine, and butorphanol

Telazol has been commonly used for field anesthesia of wild lemurs, including ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta). Telazol alone provides good induction, but doesn't cause adequate muscle relaxation and sedation for collecting consistent somatic measurements and high-quality dental impressions that are sometimes needed. Variability in induction response has been seen between individuals that have received similar dosages, with young lemurs seeming to need more anesthetic than mature lemurs. This investigation evaluated Telazol induction in young (2.0-4.9 yr) and mature (> or = 5.0 yr) ring-tailed lemurs and compared postinduction supplementation with medetomidine or medetomidine-butorphanol. Forty-eight lemurs were anesthetized with Telazol administered via blow dart; then, 20 min after darting, they were supplemented via hand injection with either medetomidine (0.04 mg/ kg) or medetomidine-butorphanol (0.04 mg/kg and 0.2 mg/kg, respectively). The odds ratio for young lemurs to need more than one dart for induction, relative to mature lemurs, was 3.8, even though the initial dose of Telazol received by young lemurs (19 +/- 7 mg/kg) was significantly higher than the initial dose administered to mature lemurs (12 +/- 5 mg/kg). The total Telazol dosage was also significantly different between young lemurs (33 +/- 15 mg/kg) and mature lemurs (18 +/- 9 mg/kg). Both medetomidine and medetomidine-butorphanol provided good muscle relaxation and sedation for all procedures. Physiologic values were similar between the two protocols. Oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry was generally good, although there were a few SaO2 values < 90%. Recoveries were smooth, but long. Time to head up was correlated with total Telazol dosage in mature lemurs. In young lemurs, time to standing was correlated with Telazol induction dosage and time of last Telazol administration. Lemurs that received hand injections of Telazol took longer to recover than those that did not. Further refinements are needed to increase induction reliability and to decrease recovery time, particularly in young lemurs.     

Preventing dental calculus formation in lemurs (Lemur catta, Eulemur fulvus collaris) and baboons (Papio cynocephalus).

The prevention of calculus accumulation in exotic animals is a relatively unexplored topic. A 6-mo study in ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) and collared lemurs (Eulemur fulvus collaris) and two studies in baboons (Papio cynocephalus) (7.5 wks and 6.5 mo) tested the benefits of a primate diet coated with 0.6% sodium hexametaphosphate (HMP) in controlling calculus in these species using a sequential crossover design. The control regimen was an identical, but non-HMP-coated, dry primate chow. At study initiation, the primates were given a thorough dental prophylaxis and provided with the control diet or experimental diet. At the conclusion of the test period, the animals were anesthetized and examined for clinical calculus independently by two examiners. The animals were then given another dental prophylaxis, provided the alternate ration, and the foregoing procedures were repeated. When the animals were provided the HMP-coated diet, significant reductions in calculus formation of 48-62% were observed in the lemurs and the baboons. No clinically significant changes were observed in body weights or in blood chemistry values as a result of ingestion of the HMP-coated regimen.     

Biomedical evaluation of free-ranging ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) in Tsimanampetsotsa Strict Nature Reserve, Madagascar.

Complete health assessments were performed on 20 adult ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta), 10 males and 10 females, free ranging within the Tsimanampetsotsa Strict Nature Reserve in southwest Madagascar. Each animal was anesthetized using tiletamine and zolazepam, weighed, and given a thorough physical examination. Blood was collected for hematology, determination of plasma total protein concentration, serum chemistry, determination of fat-soluble vitamin and trace mineral concentrations, assessment of iron metabolism, toxoplasmosis and viral serologies, and examination for parasites. Feces were collected for bacterial culture and parasite examination, and representative numbers of ectoparasites were collected. Blood values differed significantly in a number of ways from values in captive lemurs, possibly associated with recent food consumption, hydration, and diet. There was no evidence of serious infectious disease and no hemoparasites. The enteric flora appeared unremarkable, although results may have been skewed toward cold-tolerant bacteria. The fecal parasite burden was low, but there were large numbers of ectoparasites (mites) present. Our study demonstrated that a substantial amount of data can be collected from free-ranging populations, information that is invaluable in the management of captive populations, particularly with regard to disease, and in assessing risks associated with reintroduction programs.     

Comparison of the efficacy and cardiorespiratory effects of medetomidine-based anesthetic protocols in ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta).

The relative efficacies and cardiorespiratory effects of three injectable anesthetic combinations containing medetomidine were evaluated in ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta). In addition, the direct effects of medetomidine on heart rate and blood pressure were evaluated in lemurs anesthetized with isoflurane. For injectable anesthesia, captive adult ring-tailed lemurs were anesthetized with medetomidine and ketamine (0.04-0.06 mg/kg, i.m. and 3 mg/kg, i.m., respectively), medetomidine, butorphanol, and ketamine (0.04 mg/kg, i.m., 0.4 mg/kg, i.m., and 3 mg/kg, i.m., respectively), or medetomidine, butorphanol, and midazolam (0.04 mg/kg, i.m., 0.4 mg/kg, i.m., and 0.3 mg/kg, i.m., respectively). For inhalation anesthesia, lemurs were mask-induced and maintained with isoflurane for 30 min before receiving medetomidine (0.04 mg/kg, i.m.). Sedation produced by medetomidine-ketamine was unpredictable and of short duration. Both medetomidine-butorphanol-ketamine (MBK) and medetomidine-butorphanol-midazolam (MBMz) provided adequate anesthesia for routine physical exams; however, the effects of MBMz lasted longer than those of MBK. Heart rates and respiratory rates were within clinically normal ranges for all groups, and lemurs remained normotensive throughout the study. Common side effects such as hypertension and bradycardia associated with the use of alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonist combinations in other species were not observed. Likewise, medetomidine administration had no effect on HR in lemurs receiving isoflurane. Lemurs in all groups were well ventilated and remained well oxygenated throughout the procedures, though arterial partial pressure of O2 was lowest in the MBMz group. All three injectable medetomidine combinations were effective in ring-tailed lemurs but only MBK and MBMz provided adequate depth and duration of anesthesia for use as sole regimes. For many clinical procedures in lemurs, MBMz offers advantages over MBK because of its longer duration of action and its rapid and more complete reversibility with specific antagonists.     

Osteology and Radiographic Anatomy of the Pelvis and Hind Limb of Healthy Ring‐Tailed Lemurs (Lemur catta)

In family Lemuridae, anatomical variations exist. Considering its conservation status (near threatened) and presence of similarities between strepsirrhines and primitive animals, it was thought to be beneficial to describe the gross osteology and radiographic anatomy of the pelvis and hind limb of ring‐tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) as a reference for clinical use and species identification. Radiography was performed in 14 captive adult ring‐tailed lemurs. The radiographic findings were correlated with bone specimens from two adult animals. Additionally, computed tomography of the hind limbs was performed in one animal. The pelvic bone has a well‐developed caudal ventral iliac spine. The patella has a prominent tuberosity on the cranial surface. The first metatarsal bone and digit 1 are markedly stouter than the other metatarsal bones and digits with medial divergence from the rest of the metatarsal bones and digits. Ossicles were seen in the lateral meniscus, inter‐phalangeal joint of digit 1 and in the infrapatellar fat pad. Areas of mineral opacity were seen within the external genitalia, which are believed to be the os penis and os clitoris. Variations exist in the normal osteology and radiographic appearance of the pelvis and hind limb of different animal species. The use of only atlases from domestic cats and dogs for interpretative purposes may be misleading.     

Interstitial cell tumor in a black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegatus variegatus).

A 14.5-yr-old, male black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegatus variegatus) presented for acute enlargement of the left testicle and hemiscrotum. Physical examination also revealed poor pelage quality with short guard hairs, sparse undercoat, and areas of alopecia. Increased aggression was also reported. A unilateral, open orchiectomy was performed, with the left testicle, epidydymis, associated vaginal tunic, and attached spermatic cord removed. Microscopic evaluation was consistent with an interstitial cell tumor, with many morphologic features similar to this neoplasm in people. No overt histopathologic criteria of malignancy were present. Following orchiectomy, gradual improvement in pelage quality was noted and was considered almost normal by 5 mo postoperative. In contrast with the aggressive preoperative behavior, the lemur was extremely submissive for 3 mo following the surgery. Gradual return to normal behavior and social status occurred over the next 2 mo. Multiple follow-up examinations and radiographs revealed no evidence of metastasis, and biopsy of the remaining testicle 4 mo later revealed no evidence of neoplasia. Serial measurements of testosterone and estradiol revealed levels within the range of those for other ruffed lemurs, as were repeated measurements taken of the remaining testicle. At 19 mo postoperative, the lemur had a coat quality considered nearly normal and maintained its historical social position in the lemur group without abnormal aggressive behavior.