What is the best response when a nonhuman primate is found to have bloat?

• A. Administer antibiotics and antacids.
• B. Wait a day to see if the bloat diminishes.
• C. Reduce food rations by half.
• D. Summon emergency help from the veterinary staff.

Answer: (D)

When a nonhuman primate shows signs of bloat, it’s an acute, life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary assessment and intervention. Bloat can progress rapidly, potentially leading to gastric dilatation with torsion, which compromises breathing and circulation. Only veterinary staff have the training and equipment to safely evaluate and treat this condition—often needing rapid diagnostics, gastric decompression, IV fluids, analgesia, and possibly surgical intervention. Delaying care or attempting home remedies can worsen the prognosis.

Giving antibiotics and antacids doesn’t relieve the gas buildup or address the urgent problem and may delay definitive treatment. Waiting a day is inappropriate for the same reason. Reducing food intake by half doesn’t resolve the acute issue and could negatively impact the animal’s condition. The best course is to summon emergency veterinary help immediately.