Congenital Defects of Squirrel Monkeys (Saimiri sciureus)

Abstract

Nine congenital defects were seen in six animals during necropsies of 27 aborted or stillborn and 25 neonatal squirrel monkeys ( Saimiri sciureus) during a two-year period. The defects were left diaphragmatic hypoplasia with herniation; right renal aplasia in conjunction with a right cleft lip and primary palate; supernumerary left kidney; skeletal defects, hydrocephalus, and thyroid anomalies consistent with the campomelic syndrome; atresia ani; and ultimobranchial gland remnants. The high incidence of congenital anomalies (4.9% of births and 11.5% of nonsurviving births) is consistent with a previous report of congenital defects in squirrel monkeys.