Trichobezoars in baboons

Background: There is little information available concerning trichobezoars in the non-human primate literature. Methods: We evaluated 118 cases of trichobezoar in baboons over a 29-year period at the Southwest National Primate Research Center. Results: The anatomic locations affected in decreasing order were the stomach, small intestine, cecum, esophagus and colon. The most common clinical history was weight loss. The most frequent associated pathology included gastrointestinal inflammation and ulceration, emaciation, peritonitis, intussusception, pneumonia, and aspiration. Trichobezoars were the cause of death in nine baboons and the reason for euthanasia in 12. Females were 2.14 times more likely than males to be affected. The greater the percentage of group housing time, the more likely the baboon is to develop trichobezoars. Conclusions: The baboon may present a useful model to evaluate the etiology, genetic predisposition, physiopathology, neurobiology, and treatment response of trichobezoars.