Endangered Monkey Dies While Undergoing Tests

An endangered South American monkey suffering from congestive heart failure died Monday while undergoing a cardiac ultrasound examination, a Los Angeles hospital spokeswoman said. Cheyenne, a 15-year-old red uakari primate, was pronounced dead at 1:45 p.m., said Hospital of the Good Samaritan spokeswoman Susan Tombrello.

Two weeks ago, the monkey was reported to be suffering from increasing weakness, a swollen abdomen, lethargy and labored breathing. Zoo veterinarians examined her, and based on the symptoms and X-ray results, diagnosed her with congestive heart failure, Los Angeles Zoo spokeswoman Lora LaMarca said.

The ultrasound exam would have identified the specific nature of her heart disease and would have enabled veterinarians to tailor a treatment plan for Cheyenne. “Unfortunately she was under anesthesia during the exam and she just never came out of it.” said zoo veterinarian Jeff Boehm.