To keep you all informed, it was decided to perform a procedure on Burrito earlier today. As mentioned before, Burrito was well enough to rejoin the Girl Gang a few days ago, however he was still battling a slow healing toe injury. After monitoring it for a couple of days, our veterinarian and local orthopedic specialists suspected it could be something serious. After conducting some x-rays on his toe, it was confirmed to be an infection of the bone (osteomyelitis), which unfortunately meant amputation to remove the affected bone and stop any possible spread of the infection. Our vet and specialists were able to quickly conduct the procedure with no complications. He is currently recovering in one of the front rooms and is expected to make a fast recovery. In fact, he was sitting upright on his own almost instantly after the procedure. With this last nagging problem behind him he should be back to 100% very soon. We will continue to keep you updated as he recovers.
With the flurry of human activity happening regarding Burrito, it was business as usual for the rest of the chimpanzees.
The girls were given access to Young’s Hill. While Jamie, Missy, and Jody decided it was a good time to patrol, Annie decided it was a bit too chilly for her to go around the entire hill.
Similarly, Negra decided to not attempt to go outside, and covered herself with blankets instead.
On the other side of the sanctuary, there was a lot of silliness going on. First, we found Honey B inside a box we gave them as enrichment with Willy B drumming away on it. They both had the biggest play faces I have seen. It was one of those moments that come and go as quickly as you see them. I was able to capture a few shots later on with a Honey B playing peek-a-boo. Sorry for the horrible quality of the photos, but I tried to capture what I could with the only camera I had on me at the time: my phone.
Honey B would poke her out every so often to make sure we were watching.
She then decided she needed to decorate her newly constructed box fort with a stylish pink shovel.
I love them all so much. Burrito is so strong and I just know he’ll pull through.
“Sigh”. I sure hope that today’s medical procedure will be that Burrito has to endure for a good, long while. Bubba has paid his dues (principal and interest alike).
Thanks for sharing the picture of Honey B in the box before she so cleverly disguised herself behind shovel. i wou’ve never guessed who she was!
Was there no way to save Burritos toe ?
Hi Sammy – There was no safe or practical way to save his toe. The standard treatment for osteomyelitis in humans is to remove the affected bone and provide IV antibiotics for up to six weeks. Given the fact that the infection was in the proximal phalanx near the rest of the foot and that giving IV antibiotics to a chimpanzee for six weeks is next to impossible, the only safe course was to remove the entire toe. It sounds drastic but chimps recover quickly from things like this and suffer no real negative effects in terms of their ability to walk, grasp objects with their feet, etc. This way he can finally get on with things and there is no risk of a spreading infection that could (or would) become life-threatening.
Hi JB,
Dora thai mean a few more weeks of soft treats for Burrito (and grape for the Boss)?
My apologies- I had the key board set to another language and forgot to reset it! Does this mean more soft treats for Mr B (and grapes for the grape thief)?
More midnight bagels perhaps?!
Yes, back to midnight bagels for a little while. Should only be a week if all goes well.
Get well soon Burrito! We’re pulling for you!
Our boy has really been through it! So glad now he will heal properly and put this behind him. Although, somehow it hasn’t seemed to hold him back much. Go Burrito! xoxo
Poor little Birthday Boy.
I’m sending lots of love your way Burrito.
Thanks for the Burrito update, Chad. In the end, I imagine it was an easy decision to amputate the toe. It was simply taking too long to heal and that is never good.
Best to get it over and done while the weather is keeping them mostly inside anyway.
Wishing you a speedy recovery Burrito. We Love you!
Oh, Burrito! What more do you have to lose? Wishing a speedy recovery and back into real life. So happy to see what The Three were doing today and what fun they had. Good for them!
Such good news on Burrito. Probably feels much better already with a small
surgery. Tough is good – can heal fast and get back to business. Good luck
Burrito. Stay strong.
Sending Speedy Recovery wishes to sweet Burrito!
Love and Hugs!
We may have to create merch that says “Burrito strong”. Goodness!
Thanks Chad for the info on Burrito and his never ending toe issue. And just when I thought everything was getting back to normal for all of you. My fingers are crossed (tightly) in the hopes the amputation will now allow him to heal and be well. Feel better soon silly hearted boy!
Thanks for the pics of Honey B too. Who needs toys and fancy enrichment gadgets when you can have so much fun with just a box…….and a pink shovel.
Yep, as a retired nurse I understand about sweet Burrito. Sometimes the patient simply comes to a standstill, the condition does not get any better despite the best of efforts, there’s risk that things could get worse…. so it’s time to end it & take the definitive action you were trying to avoid. Brave Burrito will make leaps & bounds in his recovery now that the infection is history. On to a bright & beautiful new year!
We concur with the toe removal and the addition of the stylish pink shovel! Feel better Burrito!
No need to apologize for the photos taken with your phone, Chad. We are all grateful for anything we get from you all. The picture in the box was priceless and I’m glad you at least had your phone camera with you to capture it. Poor Burrito, I am so sorry this was necessary but I certainly understand that it was done in his best interest. No one should or could or would ever dobt anything you all do for the Chimps. We know how dedicate and loving you all are for each of them.
Oh so sorry to hear Burrito had to go through more medical stuff but we know everything you do for him and all the Chimps and bovine there is in their best interest for their well being. Thank you for taking such good care of them. I hope that Burrito is doing better and better each day. Thinking of him and sending prayers. Love and hugs to you all.
This is a relief for those of us noting with concern Burrito’s continuing discomfort when trying to walk on that foot! I’m sure staff is included in that number, as are those of his friends who have been so protective and concerned on their walks around the hill since he rejoined them. I’ll bet it will be wonderful for Mr B once this latest procedure is healed. Much love to everyone!
Oh Burrito! He’s sure losing little bits here and there lately. I hope the infection has been stopped dead in his tracks. Since the iv antibiotics are out can u give him something to beef up his immune system? I know u all know waaay more than I do. We humans can gobble vit c and zinc. I give my dogs goats milk puppy replacement milk when they are under the weather and the extra vitamins and minerals seem to help with the recovery. Just throwing that out there. I’ll keep Burrito in my prayers. Lots of love to u all and thank you to the staff that stay on top of the tremendous amount of caregiving.