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CHAPTER 29 III Monkeys and Other Nonhuman Primates 341

hyperparathyroidism, which is typically evidenced by
decreased bone density. Many of these animals present
with acute limb pain or lameness, which is the result

of an insufficiency fracture. Depending on the dura-
tion of their disease and other circumstances, some
animals may have had previous fractures. Often,
these are of the folding variety, with or without
obvious deformity, or alternatively may appear as
overt malunions.

Hypovitaminosis D
Vitamin D defi ciency causes similar skeletal lesions—
some quite severe—including pronounced spinal cur-
vature and collapse of the pelvic canal (Figures 29-5
through 29-7). Deformity of the pelvic canal and, par-
ticularly, overt collapse may lead to chronic constipa-
tion and in the case of females, mechanical dystocia.
After dietary correction, some or all of the previously
mentioned long bone changes may disappear or at
least partially regress. Unfortunately, the spinal and
pelvic deformities are in large part irreversible.

Heart Disease
Apparently, primates are subject to most of the con-
genital and acquired diseases seen in humans. As with
humans, primates, including the Great Apes, may
develop both the primary and secondary forms of
dilated cardiomyopathy (Figure 29-8).
Figure 29-1 • Full-length lateral view of an unconscious Capuchin
monkey. Note the protruding brow ridge, elongated face, short
neck, tapered, catlike torso, and long arms, hands, legs, and feet.

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