Yesterday, Jamie underwent surgery to repair an anal fistula. As I write this, she is bright, alert, and recovering well.
This is a problem we’ve been aware of and have been treating for some time. If you’re not familiar with fistulas, they are small tunnels that connect an infected gland within the anus to an opening on the skin outside the anus. They can be painful and may result in recurring infections and chronic discharge from the opening.
When Jamie’s fistula first appeared, Dr. Erin consulted with other veterinarians and several colorectal surgeons on a course of action. While we were prepared to perform the surgery at that time, and even got as far as purchasing plane tickets for a surgeon from Missouri that had worked on a chimpanzee before, in the end the consensus was that if Jamie was cooperative we could manage her symptoms without surgery. Most humans with the means to do so would probably choose fistula repair, but chimpanzees are somewhat different in that they don’t experience any stigma from fistula symptoms. If we could keep the infection at bay and provide pain relief, we could avoid the trauma of surgery and recovery as well as any potential complications. Jamie was incredibly cooperative – she would allow us (usually Diana, who was her positive reinforcement trainer) to irrigate the tracts with antiseptic solution using a plastic-tipped syringe.
While this had the desired effect at first, over time the infections became more frequent. After additional consultation with colleagues who were planning a similar surgery at an Australian zoo, Dr. Erin decided that it would be in Jamie’s best interest to have her fistulas repaired. Dr. Petty, a colorectal surgeon from Kittitas Valley Hospital in Ellensburg, volunteered to perform the procedure.
Jamie willingly accepts injections – everything from vaccines to anesthetics – so she was ready to go even before we were yesterday morning. She was wheeled into the clinic and masked prior to intubation.
The rest of the team prepared to give Jamie a complete exam while Dr. Petty performed the procedure.
Dr. Petty was pleased to find that most of the tracts were near the surface, which would mean a quicker surgery and faster healing. Fistulotomies, wherein the tracts are opened surgically to heal from the inside out, are often simple enough to be outpatient procedures for humans, but chimps don’t always follow the same level of post-operative care so we will be paying extra close attention to how she heals.
Sofia and Dr. Erin performed a head-to-toe exam while Anthony oversaw the procedure checklist and took photos and video.
Jamie was given an abdominal ultrasound using our Butterfly ultrasound machine. Though the chimps’ usual cardiologist couldn’t make it, she was also given an echocardiogram thanks to a donation of time and equipment from some very generous zoo colleagues.
After getting x-rays and other routine diagnostics, Jamie was wheeled back to the recovery room.
There she would be under close supervision until she was stable and alert.
Everything that we’ve learned from Jamie’s exam so far shows that she’s in good health and we’re hoping that she will not need to spend much time in isolation. For now, we’re trying to keep her enriched with peanut butter magazines and her favorite movies.
Her friends also visit and groom with her at the caging.
Jamie is not one to enjoy sitting around for long, so let’s all wish her a speedy recovery so she can get back to managing her group soon. Many thanks to Dr. Petty and the many other doctors and zoo and sanctuary professionals who helped plan for and carry out this procedure, which we hope will keep Jamie healthy and comfortable.
Sandie Allaway says
As much as i wish she didnt need surgery, this is such a fascinating explanation and beyond interesting to me. Im quite glad she’s doing so well and im sending much love and healing energy.?
Linda C says
Oh my, The Boss likes the Wizard of Oz! Something about this doesn’t surprise me.
What does she think of the flying monkeys, JB?
I guess that means Neggie’s out and about.
Thanks to Dr Erin, Dr Petty, and your generous zoo colleagues for keeping the director in action!
Bonnie Stevens says
Feel better soon sweetie. Thanks for taking such good care if her
Kathleen Polletta says
sending prayers to Archangel Raphael for his healing powers for a complete and speedy recovery
Tobin says
Same here. I love that Jamie girl.
Deanna says
well done everyone!!! wishing jaime a speedy recovery!
Dena Griffin says
I’m so glad Jaime did so well. Bless her heart hope she continues to do well. Also Love and prayers for Negra. All the chimps are so wonderful and special.
Mary Garripoli says
Holding good thoughts for Jamie’s complete recovery.
Tara McKenney says
So glad all is going well and sending lots of love to Jamie. xx Thanks to all who contributed to her successful procedure!
Magda says
You all run an impressive ship -uh, sanctuary! I still haven’t gotten over Negra’s ordeal and now with Jamie’s surgery I feel like I’m in Chimpanzee Health 101. I hope there’s no test. Unless it’s about The Wizard of Oz! Thank you for all you do, and for keeping us abreast of Sanctuary happenings!
Paulette says
oh wow – I cant imagine Jaime in isolation for long! do you know how long that might be? Are you concerned at all with her touching and aggravating the open wound as it heals? And how might you prevent that?
Is Negra still in isolation as well?
Most importantly, well done!!! Thank you so much for your wonderful care of them all.
J.B. says
Hi Paulette – If all goes well she will only be isolated for a couple days. Dr. Erin expects the surgical site to heal well even if Jamie messes with it a little. The was one tract that ran through a sphincter muscle which we are more concerned about just because of the risk of incontinence but so far we’re happy with how everything turned out. Negra was (re)released from isolation yesterday afternoon – fingers crossed she can stay with the group this time!
CarolR says
Hope you feel tons better soon, Jamie. You can compare notes with Negra now! Many thanks, of course, to the wonderful team that look after you all so well….I always get a lump in my throat seeing them on the operating table and looking so vulnerable but knowing that they’re in the best possible hands, and getting lots of TLC is comforting.
Debbie Reintzell says
Speedy recovery Jamie! What an amazing story of kindness all coming together ?. Holding your hand in thought Jamie.
Jean Goodrich says
Y’all never cease to amaze me! First Negra and now Jamie! Do you ever wonder about that old adage ” It always runs in threes?” Here’s hoping that it isn’t true!! I know you’ll take good care of the girls but please also take good care of yourselves. You’re just as precious to us.
Betsy says
I’m just astounded by all the humans that make up your extended care team, and so grateful that they are there when needed. Best wishes for a speedy recovery for Jamie! Also best wished for a getting-back-to-normal (whatever that is) for the care team!
Nancy Duryea says
i agree, the explanation regarding the surgery is very interesting and I loved seeing the pictures of Jamie while she’s anesthetized. I remember some of you saying how sweet it is to be able to hold their hand or arm, I can only imagine.
I do regret that she had to have the surgery at all but how fortunate to have Dr Erin and Dr Petty available. I hope Jamie has a speedy recovery and back to being bossy with everyone. ?
Kathleen says
That’s my gal Jamie, I knew we had a special connection — The Wizard of Oz! A little dog, best friends, good and bad witches, flying monkeys, singing, and Great Shoes!
But seriously, poor Jamie, I will worry about her. First Negra and now Jamie. Like everyone else I am cruious if Negra is still healing in her private room. While I am thrilled that you have that lovely operating room, I’d rather see it get a little less use.
I hope Jamie heals quickly and without incident. It didn’t surprise me to read that Jamie willingly accepts injections. With her intelligence I’m guessing she aced her PRT with Diana. I know you have said that chimpanzees do not feel pain like we do but I am curious, with Jamie’s issue, did she feel pain or I guess I should ask did you recognized signs of pain? Did she let you know it bothered her or would you notice the infection? What an ordeal for Jamie. I hope Jamie’s recovery is the last of it and she’ll be fine from here on out (Meaning I hope they will not reoccur.)
Thank you to everyone who helped to ensure Jamie received the best possible care. While I will continue to worry until I get the “All Clear” from you, I know Jamie is in the finest hands. And Jamie knows “…there’s no place like home”! Where else would she be surrouned with so much love?
J.B. says
Hi Kathleen – We never noticed Jamie favoring that area so I don’t think the skin around her anus was particularly sensitive. However, at one point we started noticing Jamie exhibiting a strange behavior where we would catch her with her butt up in the air, almost doing a headstand. We came to believe that this relieved some pressure, and probably pain, when the area would become reinfected. We were only sure of the infection when the tracts would become purulent or she would show signs of a mild fever.
Kathleen says
Poor Jamie. I am keeping her front andcenter in my thoughts, sending her my love!
CeeCee says
Poor Jamie, I held my breath the whole time I was reading this. She looks so little on the operating table, breaks my heart.
Thank you all for taking such woderful care of the boss lady. I hope she’s better soon. :revolving_hearts:
Caroline says
Wow, thanks for explaining everything so well, what a reassuring feeling after reading this! I’m so glad Jaimie is recovering well, and no doubt she will be back leading her family in no time! Sending love and prayers to Jaimie, Negra, all the other beautiful chimps, bovines and wonderful caregivers!
Tobin says
I am always saddened to learn of one of the chimpanzee’s needing to be taken to the clinic. And yet, knowing how well each of them is cared for by their human companions, I feel assured of their recovery. Certainly I think that, in time, Jamie will feel better and be able to reassume her duties as She Who Must Be Obeyed. Jamie is just too tough, strong, intelligent, fascinating to stay down for too long. Like the farm girl from Kansas who winds up in Oz in the movie that she is watching (appropriately enough, a week from the centennial of Judy’s birth in northern Minnesota), Jamie has an indominable power within her (minus the ruby slippers, of course…our heroine prefers cowboy boots).
Sending my love to the Boss, the Queen, and all of their friends.
Sue says
I learn so much thru your blog. The pictures and explainations are so true and interesting. Thank you for your care and compassion. Just being free at the sanctuary will help Jamie heal faster and the others that are new there will observe that kindness and grow in there trust of freedom and your loving care. Thank you also to all those out in the world that care and do what they can to support the sanctuary.
Trish says
Synchronicity! Early this morning I was concerned about Jamie for no apparent reason. Seemed she hadn’t been in recent blog videos. Perhaps unrelated to her medical situation, but she was on my mind.
So it was especially welcome to get so full a report from J.B. As ever, CSNW response is tremendous, doing everything humanly possible for one of their own. With all the love and expertise surrounding her, we know she’ll be back up and in charge soon. As usual, you set the standard for caring.
PatC says
Get well soon, Jaimie. xo. Thank goodness for the proper clinic.
Lucinda says
Awesome team. I’m wishing Jamie a quick recovery.
Marya says
Ooohhhhh!! I just couldn’t write a response last night, JB, cuz I was too wrapped up in the details to know what to say. Just now I reread the blog and looked at all the fabulous, detailed photos. The one towards the end with a gloved hand (Diana’s??) at the caging looking like she was touching Jamie’s hand really got me. All the sensitivity, heartfelt commitment, problem-solving capacities (like finding Dr. Petty, gosh, will he have stories to tell about his most recent patient! And this wonderful community of caring souls so invested in the welfare of the chimps, the staff and the sanctuary’s presence. My deepest gratitude…
Paulette says
I know right?! About Dr. Petty having some stories to tell. Wish I could be there to hear!
Jenny says
I read a book several years ago called Cutting for Stone. It was about women that had fistulas and all the shame etc that can come with that. It was an excellent book. I had no idea that chimpanzees could have the same medical problem. Thank you for a very interesting blog entry with photos.!
Ken says
wonderful work done by a wonderful staff. many thanks to everyone.