Black-capped capuchin Capitán was brought to our rescue centre in Spain a week ago. He recently had his first check-up with our vet and received his first vaccinations.
Because Capitán probably has a history as a pet, there is a good chance that he had to live in poor conditions and was given unsuitable food. This led us to suspect that he might have some health problems.
Underweight
Unfortunately, our suspicions were confirmed: despite his beautiful coat, Capitán was underweight, weighing less than 3 kilos. At his estimated age of 5 years, he should weigh around 4 kilos.
His teeth are also in poor condition. They are worn and a few are missing.
Metabolic bone disease
X-rays also showed signs of metabolic bone disease. This condition is caused by poor nutrition and a lack of exposure to sunlight, which is necessary for the production of vitamin D. This vitamin plays an important role in the absorption of calcium and the formation and density of bones.
If bone metabolism is disrupted, bones cannot develop properly. This causes them to become brittle and grow crooked.
Capitán’s ulna and radius (forearm bones) are deformed. He also appears to have an old fracture in his left forearm. Both deformities can be explained by low bone density. The bones in both his upper arms are also poorly developed.
"The consequences of a metabolic bone disease cannot be cured or reversed. They are permanent. Capitán will have to live with thin upper arm bones and deformed forearms for the rest of his life. There is also a risk of fractures and the development of osteoarthritis, not to mention the pain this may cause him."
Osteoarthritis and deformities in the elbows
During the veterinary examination, Capitán’s arms could not be fully extended.
X-rays showed that he also has osteoarthritis and deformities in his elbows. This joint wear and partial deformation of the elbow bones may also have been caused by a metabolic bone disease.
Old fractures, repetitive movements and/or poor posture may have exacerbated this. Any problems can be assessed now that Capitán is at AAP.
Treatment at AAP
At AAP, we are helping Capitán recover as best we can. He is on a diet tailored to his needs so that his bone metabolism can recover and his bones can become as strong as possible. The animal carers give him different types of fruit, seeds and vegetables. This not only allows him to discover new flavours, but also provides him with all the nutrients he needs to regain his strength.
In the meantime, we are looking for other black-capped capuchins that we can introduce him to once his quarantine period is over.
Found wandering in an olive grove
Capitán was found last November by a passer-by in an olive grove near the Spanish municipality of Gibraleón. The black-capped capuchin probably has a history as a pet. When the passer-by tried to catch the animal, he was bitten.
Eventually, Capitán was caught and picked up by SEPRONA, the nature conservation service of the Spanish Civil Guard. He was temporarily housed at a nearby petting zoo until we could bring him to our Spanish rescue centre.
