Diagnosis and treatment of macrocytic anemia in a perinatal common marmoset: a case report

Abstract

Background The common marmoset is widely used in current biomedical research for various research fields. We observed macrocytic anemia in a perinatal common marmoset with gradual weight loss and diarrhea. The objective of this case report is to describe the diagnosis and treatment of macrocytic anemia in a perinatal common marmoset. Case presentation A 7-year-old female common marmoset showed clinical signs of gradual weight loss and intermittent diarrhea beginning 3 months after giving birth. Macrocytic anemia was diagnosed due to a decreased red blood cell (RBC) count, low hemoglobin level, and increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Multivitamins containing cobalamin and folate were administered for 7 days, and the patient's RBC count recovered to near the normal range with this treatment. Conclusions Macrocytic anemia can be diagnosed by evaluating the MCV on a complete blood count (CBC) and cobalamin or folate levels and be treated by supplementation with cobalamin and folate. Such supplements may be needed during pregnancy and lactation in female common marmosets and/or in animals with chronic diarrhea.