Evolution and natural history of colonic disease in cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus)

In 1977, S. oedipus was placed on the endangered list and importation of this species ceased. At ths time the NERPRC colony stabilized and in the next few years clinical features involved in the morbidity and mortality of the colony changed. Whereas previously deaths were due to acute disease, chronic colitis emerged as the predominant problem. With the rising incidence of colonic adenocarcinoma in association with the colitis, the potential use of this model for inflammatory bowel diseases was recognized. The evolution and natural history of these diseases in the NERPRC colony is the topic of this article.