Persimmon phytobezoars in meerkats (Suricata suricatta).
J Zoo Wildl Med
; 44(2): 505-8, 2013 Jun.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23805577
ABSTRACT
Two meerkats (Suricata suricatta) died acutely and gastric bezoars were found at necropsy. Four of the eight remaining meerkats had bezoars identified radiographically. Surgical gastrotomies were performed and bezoars containing orange fibrous material were removed. Histologic examination of the bezoars and persimmon fruit from a tree in the exhibit revealed that the materials were identical. Tannins found in ripe persimmons are known to coagulate in the presence of gastric acid, and the resultant phytobezoars can lead to gastrointestinal obstructions. All four meerkats recovered uneventfully. The combination of interspecies aggression and a diet change may have led to consumption of persimmons produced by a tree in the exhibit. Persimmon phytobezoars are also seen in humans and horses.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Bezoars
/
Diospyros
/
Herpestidae
Type of study:
Etiology_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
J Zoo Wildl Med
Journal subject:
MEDICINA VETERINARIA
Year:
2013
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States