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(Update 6/7/11: Kyle is doing great! Visit the Woodland Park Zoo blog for news and a few more photos!)
When Woodland Park Zoo’s 6-year-old, male Patas monkey, Kyle, was suffering from an uncontrollable infection in the bones around his right shoulder, zoo veterinarian Dr. Kelly Helmick worked together with Dr. Alex Aguila of Animal Surgical Clinic of Seattle to determine the best course of action.
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Systemic antibiotic therapy and intensive supportive care were able to resolve a life-threatening infection in the blood and soft tissue. Although some of Kyle’s symptoms improved, bone deterioration around his right shoulder continued to progress despite antibiotic therapy. Drs. Helmick and Aguila considered a plan to surgically implant beads that could release antibiotics directly around the site of infection, but the progression of bone lesions was so fast and severe even with antibiotics that there was significant concern that this method would not work quickly enough to save Kyle. The decision was made to amputate the forelimb.
This course of action was considered reasonable, since the primary ambulation method for Patas monkeys is walking or running through the open grasslands of the African savanna, and forelimb amputation has not been detrimental in zoo primates adapted for climbing/swinging through forests. In addition, it seemed as though Kyle had already been coping with a potential disability, as he had been unable to use this forelimb for the duration of the infection. The amputation would rid the body of infection quickly, prevent return of the life-threatening blood infection, and remove the pain that goes along with the infection.
Dr. Helmick’s team at Woodland Park Zoo skillfully anesthetized Kyle for the procedure, and Dr. Aguila and his scrub assistant, Teresa Casson, LVT, performed the amputation. Biopsy results of bone removed at surgery confirmed a severe bacterial infection as the source of the bone lesions, as well as the presence of a fracture that had occurred as a result of the infection. The surgery and recovery from anesthesia were uneventful and a positive change was noted in Kyle’s attitude and behavior shortly following the surgery. After two weeks of post-op care and hospitalization, the incision was healed, Kyle’s demeanor improved, and all signs of infection were resolved. Kyle was discharged back to the keepers and reintroduced to his female companion Alexa, and both monkeys have been returned to the zoo’s award-winning African Savanna exhibit. While zoo staff continues to monitor his progress, Kyle shows no residual effects from the infection or surgery and is able to enjoy and explore his habitat without compromise. |
