How to translate text using browser tools
20 March 2023 FATAL GASTRIC DILATATION AND VOLVULUS IN THREE CAPTIVE JUVENILE LINNAEUS'S TWO-TOED SLOTHS (CHOLOEPUS DIDACTYLUS)
Peter M. DiGeronimo, Chris Enright, Eva Ziemssen, Dominique Keller
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Linnaeus's two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus) is one of two extant neotropical species of the family Megalonychidae. Despite their being commonly kept under managed care, the digestive physiology of sloths remains poorly understood. Gastrointestinal disease has been reported as a primary or contributing cause of morbidity and mortality in captive two-toed and three-toed (Bradypus spp.) sloths. Gastric dilatation due to gas accumulation (“bloat”) has been reported in sloths; however, a literature search failed to yield any published mention of gastric volvulus in any sloth species. Following an inquiry sent to the electronic mailing lists of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, the European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians, and the LatinVets community, three cases of fatal gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) were identified in one male and two female Linnaeus's two-toed sloths from institutions in the United States, Canada, and Germany. All cases occurred in juvenile sloths <1 yr of age. Two animals were primarily hand reared, whereas one was reared primarily by its dam. Two animals were found dead with no overt premonitory signs, whereas one animal died following a 3-wk course of waxing and waning clinical signs consistent with gastric gas accumulation. In all cases, GDV was diagnosed on postmortem examination. Similar to other species, the condition is likely subsequent to a combination of host- and husbandry-related contributing factors. Further research into sloth husbandry is required in order to take an evidence-based approach to their management.

Peter M. DiGeronimo, Chris Enright, Eva Ziemssen, and Dominique Keller "FATAL GASTRIC DILATATION AND VOLVULUS IN THREE CAPTIVE JUVENILE LINNAEUS'S TWO-TOED SLOTHS (CHOLOEPUS DIDACTYLUS)," Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 54(1), 211-218, (20 March 2023). https://doi.org/10.1638/2022-0040
Accepted: 16 November 2022; Published: 20 March 2023
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top