Determination of vertebral heart score in three species of Spider monkey (Ateles fusciceps,A. hybridus and A. paniscus) |
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| Authors: | Richard A Saunders Marie Kubiak Phillipa Dobbs |
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| Institution: | 1. Veterinary Department, Bristol Zoo Gardens, Bristol, UK;2. Veterinary Services, Drayton Manor Zoo, Tamworth, UK;3. Veterinary Services, Twycross Zoo, Atherstone, UK |
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| Abstract: | Background The vertebral heart score (VHS) is a method of evaluation of cardiac size well documented in domestic mammals and in other primate species, and the aim of this study was to determine the VHS in three species of Spider monkey. Methods In this retrospective study, right lateral radiographs of thirty clinically well animals were reviewed and VHS determined. The species included were Ateles fusciceps (n=17), Ateles hybridus (n=8) and Ateles paniscus (n=5). Results The VHS was found to vary between species and was 9.73±0.81 for A. fusciceps, 10.53±0.37 for A. hybridus and 10.45±0.27 for A. paniscus. Conclusions The observed values appear consistent with values determined for other primate species. There was statistically significant variation noted between species, and so VHS should be considered species‐specific in this genus. The values determined may be of benefit in objectively evaluating cardiac size in the species investigated. |
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| Keywords: |
Ateles
Cardiac Primate VHS |
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