Successful hemilaminectomy in a 450-g bearded emperor tamarin (Sanguinus imperator subgrisescens) with monoparesis associated with an extradural spinal haematoma

Abstract

This article describes the successful diagnostic imaging, surgical treatment and postoperative recovery of a 5-year-old 450-g intact male bearded emperor tamarin (Sanguinus imperator subgrisescens) suffering from a spinal haematoma. Initial spinal radiographs were concerning for intervertebral disc disease; however, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a right-lateralised, extradural, severely compressive spinal cord lesion at L3‒L4. Hemilaminectomy was performed and histopathologic evaluation determined the lesion to be a haematoma with chronic inflammation and evidence of disc degeneration. Following 8 weeks of postoperative care, the tamarin was successfully returned to normal activity and reintegrated into troop housing. This report exhibits the feasibility of spinal surgery and MRI despite small body size and the considerations regarding group dynamics following prolonged isolation with this species. Extradural haematomas have not been previously described in non-human primates but should be considered in cases of peripheral neurologic deficits.