Determination of vertebral heart score in Goeldi's monkeys (Callimico goeldii).
BACKGROUND
Goeldi's monkeys (Callimico goeldii) are callitrichid primates commonly kept in zoological collections, and to date, no cardiac parameters have been recorded. The vertebral heart score (VHS) is an objective method of evaluation of cardiac size well documented in domestic mammals, and the aim of this study was to determine the VHS in Goeldi's monkeys.


METHODS
In this retrospective study, right lateral radiographs of thirteen clinically well animals were reviewed and vertebral heart score determined.


RESULTS
The vertebral heart score was found to be 9.35 ± 0.31.


CONCLUSIONS
The observed value appears consistent within the study population and with values for other primate species. The value determined may be of benefit in objectively evaluating cardiac size in this species.
Zoo and Exotic Animals department, Manor Veterinary Centre, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
Marie L
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7745-732X
ML
Kubiak
Zoo and Exotic Animals department, Manor Veterinary Centre, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
Stephanie L
SL
Jayson
Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol, UK.
Richard A
RA
Saunders
D000818:Animals; D016647:Callimico / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006321:Heart / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009929:Organ Size; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies
callitrichid; cardiac; measurement; radiography; vertebral heart score