Radiographic study of the axial and appendicular skeleton of Callithrix jacchus and Callithrix penicillata

Abstract

Background: Marmosets are small arboreal primates. Knowledge of normal radiographic parameters and frequent disorders is limited. The objectives of this study were to evaluate possible variations between quantitative analyses and injuries to the appendicular and axial skeleton of Callithrix jacchus and Callithrix penicillata and their relationship with the environment. Methods: Radiographic images of 29 marmosets were used. Skeletal lesions were described, long bones were measured, and pelvimetry, vertebrae, and sternebras were counted. Results: Measurements of long bones and pelvimetry were similar between species. Evaluation of vertebrae and sternebras exhibited variations relative to the literature. Lesions on the skull, spine, thoracic and pelvic limbs were present in 48%, 54%, 44%, and 52% of marmosets, respectively. Conclusion: Skeletal disorders, especially of traumatic and metabolic origin, have a high prevalence in marmosets.