* This is a case discussion submitted to the Exotic DVM Yahoo group
Slow loris, endemic in Java Island, Indonesia, 780 grams, adult male (cannot tell the exact age), tail 1,5 cm, backbone problem
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History
-was rescued and brought in the facility on the 12.10.2008, presenting dental problems and one eye with a corneal ulcer (BW 720 grmas). Except those two, the loris had no other clinically visible condition.
Dental extraction and topical eye treatment was performed with good healing.
Every couple of mounths a clinical check-up with deworming is made.
The last deworming was performed last week , and the body weight was last taken on the 14.01.2010 having 1.03 kilos- (a little obese (normally should be around 800g). The keepers have enough experience to see any change in the health and behaviour.
Which brings us now.
Three days ago the loris was seen in it’s rehab cage having problems moving around, although he was eating normally and still capable of climbing (arboreal specie).
Once brought to the clinic it was easily seen the crunched back at the lumbar site. (normal number of lumbar vertebra is 6 or 7).
no visible inflammation, still on palpation one can easily feel the proemination of that spinous proces.
No sign of paralysis whatsoever….
I’ve made the X-ray and this is what came out (find attached).
Actually I don’t know where to begin with… is a fracture? congenital? neoformation? spondylosis?
We left him to rest in the clinic for the night but he didn’t eat so we decided to put him back to the rehab cage, where he’s doing well, maybe not that fast as before.
It seems that NSAIDS are not doing that good for the stomach of lorises so we use it only after surgery only for 3 days.
One other important fact is that in lorises the first sign when they are having pain is that they stop eating.
Please consider that our clinic is near the jungle and CT, RMN or other Sci-fi machines are not available.
What could be done? Start treatment with something (eg. tramadol) even if it doesn’t show signs of pain?
I will really appreciate your input.
ps. Lorises are endangered species, every single one counts!
Thank you very much!
Ovidiu Rosu
Internatioanl Animal Rescue Indonesia
http://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/
