Jody is recovering right now on a big, comfortable pile of blankets after undergoing a procedure to repair an injury to her eye.
Yesterday, during lunch, the chimps got into a fight. There’s nothing unusual about that, as you probably know by now. And it’s not unusual for a chimp to get bitten or scratched during these kinds of fights either but they don’t often require much in the way of treatment. However, during this fight Jody’s eyelid became partially detached and a quick surgical repair was required.
The staff and Dr. Zamzow quickly isolated Jody in Front Room 1, our medical treatment enclosure, and prepared Jody for anesthetization. When Jody was safely under, Dr. Zamzow reattached the eyelid with a few subcuticular sutures and we did a quick health exam before letting Jody recover.
Jody getting prepped in the enclosure for an IV catheter after receiving the anesthetic:
Whenever we do these procedures, we get the other chimps out into the Greenhouse and Young’s Hill to allow the patient some peace and quiet inside during induction and recovery. By evening, Jody was starting to come around while the other chimps were eager to check in on their friend.
Jody recovering after the procedure:
Missy, Jamie, Burrito, and Foxie checking on Jody through the windows to the playroom:
When Dr. Zamzow finished suturing, Jody’s eye looked so good that I had to try to remember which eye had been injured! But the challenge in treating chimps is getting them to ignore their wounds and leave sutures in place. For the next couple of days, Jody will remain separate from the other chimps, though she can have contact with them through the caging. Foxie and Annie in particular have expressed concern for Jody and check in on her regularly.
We’ll be keeping a close watch on Jody’s eye as it heals and hoping that no follow up procedures are necessary. For now, she’s happy being catered to and seems to be really enjoying some quiet time on one of the largest nests she’s ever built.
The Princess and the Pea:
Maureen says
That is a huge nest! So glad Jody seems to be okay- that was worrisome. Sounds like you have an excellent Dr which is always a blessing. hope she leaves it alone for the next couple of days and enjoys her rest and quiet. And I hope she gets lots of love when she comes back.
J.B. says
Yes, Erin is a great vet and a huge asset to the sanctuary – we are lucky to have her!
Carla René says
Poor girl. She must have been in quite a lot of pain. Can you tell us how she reacted after the attack, and do you know who attacked her? I mean, was it her screaming in pain that alerted you to her condition? Or do chimps try to hide their pain like cats and other animals in the wild? I’ve always thought she has the prettiest face, so I’m glad it looks as if the scarring will be minimal.
Lovin’ the nest!
Carla René says
Oh, and the photo of the gang peeking in on her from the windows? That’s a classic one you should post for Halloween! It’s cutely-creepy.
J.B. says
It was more of a melee than an attack, which is typical of fights in this group. No idea who actually caused the injury but it was obvious to the caregivers when things settled down. Jody’s first priority after sustaining the injury was to eat her bag of chow…if you didn’t see her eyelid hanging off you wouldn’t have even known she was injured. Chimps are tough like that. And it’s not that she’s hiding the pain…they just experience pain differently. The only thing I can say for certain is that it’s usually not as all-consuming as it is for us humans.
Carla René says
Wow, nice!
I like the descriptive comment. All-consuming pain. With my Lupus and two pinched nerves, I know that all too well on a daily basis, so it gives me comfort to hear that they don’t experience it like we do. Maybe it has something to do with their physiology and placement of the nerve endings. Don’t know, haven’t studied that yet. I would think the tough epidermis might contribute to this anomaly, too.
Whatever the reason, it’s nice to know she just wasn’t suffering. Now me? I would’ve been screaming like a girl. 😀
Cheers, and thanks.
Carla René says
Hi, Jeeb,
Well, I posted a reply to this but it seems to have been stolen by gypsies.
It was just a thanks for the reply, and to say maybe the chimp physiology and nerve ending placement is different than ours in that way, plus the tough skin. Those factors together might explain their not feeling pain as sensitively as we do. I dunno, haven’t studied that yet.
Thanks so much!
CeeCee says
Poor Beautiful Jody,
Get well soon, she is so lucky to have you to take such good care of her.
Kay Roland says
Hope Jody will feel better soon! Love her Nest is blankets,my kind of girl??
jackie says
Poor girl! I wish the lovely Jody a fast recovery. I love the nest. It looks very cozy.
Kathleen says
Dear Jody! If there is one thing I truly love about beautiful Jody, it is her expressive eyes. What a scare for all of you. And I understand the constant worry for her leaving her eye alone to heal. How can you explain the importance of this to her? You just can’t. We go through this with dogs recovering in shelters. Cone heads or not, they never fully understand.
I hope dear Jody recovers quickly. One thing I know for certain, she couldn’t be in better hands. Thanks for letting us know. The photo of Jody in her big blanket nest gave me comfort, thanks.
Monica says
Ah, sweet girl. She looks very peaceful in the picture of her recovering….I wish I could sleep that well. And, every group must have at least one Princess and the Pea…with my cats, it was my beautiful Pyg. Glad she is recovering and, as always, thank you all for taking such good care of our friends
Elaine Reininger says
The photo of them all looking through the windows was priceless. Their concern for their injured family member was/is evident. I am glad staff there are so observant during a medical emergency like this. Now I hope she just leaves the eyelid alone so it has time to heal.
Arlene and Michael says
So sorry to hear about Jody’s injury but we hope she is feeling better and better each day. We know she is in the best of care. Hugs to all.
Chris says
Get well dear, Princess Jody! We’re all thinking about you! 🙂
Jackie Brown says
Hello from the UK. What an amazing story. Living so far away it’s unlikely that I will ever be able to visit personally but would like to express my thanks to all you guys for all you do for these beautiful creatures. Get well soon Jody!
louise Manson says
I am so glad to hear that Jody is recovering and enjoying the special treatment. Heal well and fast dear girl.
Tobin says
I will pray for her recovery. I hope that she will be able to rejoin the other six soon. After all, she is the den mother, and a very good one at that. I love Jody very much.
Cristina says
I can’t help but wonder if you take the opportunity of anesthetic to kiss and lovingly pet her with both hands? I would.
It makes me feel a bit sad to see her knocked out. Their haunting past in research.
I love the photo of the chimps peering in to see a family member. I think it’s the sweetest image. More like a Christmas card. Resemble a manger vigilance or Santa look out!
J.B. says
Hi Cristina – To protect their health we don’t kiss them but yes, we do often find ourselves holding their hands while they are anesthetized, especially when things have calmed down and they are entering recovery.
jocelyn bezner says
Dr. Erin did a great job, the eye looks wonderful!
Jocelyn, vet at Save the Chimps
Erin Zamzow says
Thanks Dr. B and thank you for being such an incredible mentor! Your help and support is invaluable!