Lab Anim Res.  2014 Dec;30(4):181-184. 10.5625/lar.2014.30.4.181.

Suppurative bite wound by repetitive aggression of dominance hierarchy during group housing in rhesus monkeys

• Choi Y
• Ahn KH
• Lee JI

• KMID: 1737420
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5625/lar.2014.30.4.181

Abstract

Group formation of rhesus monkeys, often leads to victims of repeated attacks by the high ranking animal. We reported a case of an injured middle ranking monkey from repetitive and persistent aggression. 4-male rhesus group was formed by a rapid group formation strategy 2 years ago. One monkey in the group suddenly showed depressive and reluctant movement. Physical examination revealed multiple bite wounds and scars in the dorsal skin. Overall increased opacity of the dorsal soft tissue and some free air was observed on radiographic examination. An unidentified anaerobic gram negative bacillus was isolated from the bacterial culture. Reconstructive surgery was performed and in consequence, the wound was clearly reconstructed one week later. Eventually, the afflicted monkey was separated and housed apart from the hierarchical group. This case report indicate that group formation in rhesus monkeys is essentially required sufficient time and stages, as well as more attention and a progressive contact program to reduce animal stress and fatal accidents.

Keyword

Group housing; rhesus monkey; aggression; wound; hierarchy

MeSH Terms

Aggression*
Animals
Bacillus
Cicatrix
Haplorhini
Housing*
Macaca mulatta*
Physical Examination
Skin
Social Dominance*
Wounds and Injuries*

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 Multiple bite wounds and scars are observed on the dorsal skin (A). A large amount of pus and necrotic tissues are removed from the subcutaneous lesion by the reconstructive surgery (B).

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  Figure 2 Radiographs of injured monkey show overall increasing opacity of the dorsal soft tissue and some free air in lateral view of the thoracolumbar spine (A-white arrow) and 3 weeks later, previous opacity of dorsal soft tissue has complete disappeared (B-blank arrow).

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