Willy B took a trip to the clinic this morning. The main purpose of the procedure was to investigate some swelling in his scrotum. As usual, Dr. Erin assembled a great crew to ensure that Willy would have the best care possible.
Dan Low, MD and Leah Bezzo, CRNA, both with Seattle Children’s Hospital, kept Willy safely under anesthesia. Tom Lendvay, MD, a urologist with Seattle Children’s, performed the initial evaluation with ultrasound assistance from Korey Krause, RDMS.
Willy also had a full cardiac workup, including chest radiographs and an echocardiogram by Marneye Driesen, RDCS, since some forms of heart disease can cause fluid to begin backing up in cavities such as the scrotum.
While he was under, Willy was also given a complete abdominal ultrasound.
Echocardiograms require a more powerful ultrasound machine than the one we own, so we are very grateful to the Woodland Park Zoo for once again allowing us the use of their machine. The machine was delivered to the sanctuary by Barbra Brush, LVT, who also participated throughout the procedure, including giving William a thorough dental cleaning.
The results of the echo and samples from his scrotum will have to be sent off for analysis but based on what we’ve seen, Dr. Erin has reason to believe that Willy B will benefit from some cardiac medication, just like his buddy Cy and like good ol’ Burrito across the way.
Willy did great throughout the procedure and is recovering quickly – due in part to the fact the we have kept his feet nice and warm and fashionable. We think it’s also due to the fact that he has a standing 2:30pm appointment to display and cause chaos in his group, to which he has never once been late.
Thankfully, he also seems to understanding the importance of getting rest after a clinic visit, so we’re hoping that he’ll take an afternoon off just this once.
Many, many thanks to this amazing team of medical professionals who traveled great distances to join us this morning and of course to our own Dr. Erin and Grace! We will continue to seek the donation of a portable cardiac ultrasound machine but if that is not in the cards, be on the lookout for a fundraiser sometime next year 🙂
We’ll share updates about Willy B when we know more.
Sending lots of love to Willy B and anticipating all good results!
Awwwwww…… Hope everything turns out well for Willie B …..He looks like such an Angel when he’s sleeping, too….. I wonder when he gets up if he’ll check his Christmas Socks for some Nuts and Chow :wink:….Willie B ….. Milk this situation as long as you can …..get the smoothies and all the additional Favorites that come with Medications.:shushing_face:…….I hope medication is all he needs. Thanks,so much, to everyone for all their Expertise and Time in Caring for Willie B:innocent:…….We Love You Willie…get plenty of sleep.
Loved the 2:30 appointment to display and cause chaos in his group. Great sense of humor, JB
That was a good one! Definitely pictured one wild and crazy silly Willy B with those socks!
Love him to pieces!
Same!
Lots of good thoughts being sent for the guy! Hoping for an excellent outcome. xoxoxoxo
It’s a testament to CSNW’s good standing in the animal welfare community that such a team of experts can be assembled with seemingly little notice and perform excellent and complex medical procedures at the sanctuary itself. Between the medical team and the caregivers, Willie B. couldn’t be in better hands.
I couldn’t state it better.
Sending love to my Pal Willie B. Hoping you’ll hear good news. On the up side, Willie B will enjoy the extra smoothie or treat that comes with the medication. (Those holiday socks with the fleecy holiday blanket made for the sweetest photo)
Thank you to everyone!
Exactly!
Rest well, Willy B. We are all awaiting your test results. Fingers crossed you’ll be just like a good many of your human friends and all you will need is a little cardio pill ever day. You got this. Thanks to all of the sanctuary staff and everyone who participated in Willie B’s care during this exam procedure. It truly does take a village. I’m just lovin’ those Santa socks. Maybe a special cardio fundraiser with chimp socks and hearts might be planned?
Sending healing energy to Willy B :pray::purple_heart::pray:
This gave me a great laugh: due to the fact that he has a standing 2:30pm appointment to display and cause chaos in his group, to which he has never once been late. Thanks, JB!
And of course, I ditto all of the comments before mine. 😀
So glad you’re all so attentive, and able to pick up on changes quickly. Grateful for the great medical team- he’s in good hands all around. Also hoping for good results from the tests.
Dear Willy B in the health wars, but he is in the best place for care. I bless the team watching over him. Stay safe, sweet boy, and I know you will pull through this. Hugs and love and positive vibes for your return to top health.
Thank you to everyone today for taking such good care of our Willy B:revolving_hearts:
He is a special boy, and luckily for him, he is surrounded by the most special people !
Rest sweetie. Hope all goes well. Oh, by the way, you were rockin those socks.
Like Hallmark, it’s Christmas in July! Love the socks:joy:
Well done everyone. You’re amazing. Thank you:pray:
Many thanks to the healthcare professionals and generosity of the Woodland Park Zoo. Our vain Willy B will certainly appreciate the dental cleaning. Please make sure he has a mirror to check his teeth after his recovery. Maybe that can be a new enrichment distraction from his standing 2:30 pm appointment?
Oh I love that handsome Willie B!!! 🙂
Hugs and prayers for a swift recovery ready for your chaos calls, Willy B. Grateful thanks that he’s with such a wonderful, caring and expert team. Am I right in thinking that he’s one of the non cooperation team that needs to be darted? Don’t let Missy catch you in those socks….she’ll turn green with envy!
Willy B is actually pretty cooperative when it comes to needle pokes but yesterday he was particular about who was allowed to poke him. He’s also not great at holding still (I don’t blame him) so he sometimes bends the needles and requires a second or third poke to administer all of the anesthethic. Still much better than having to be darted!
Now there’s a surprise, J.B.! Mind you, they can all surprise us at times, but it’s good to know that he CAN be a good boy when necessary!
Thank you, JB, and thanks to all of the professionals for their time and use of their equipment!
Hope the Big Man will be just fine, and working up to a crescendo at 2:30 pm at a platform near you very soon!
I am always amazed by the amount of specialists gathered to examine and care for one of the chimps when needed. Impressive.
And I agree with Mark B. ( any relation to Willy and Honey ??) that it is a testiment to the sanctuaries and also Dr.Z’s good name.
I hope with everyone else that the testresults will be favorable and I am looking forward to a video of William displaying with his socks on.
Due to technical difficulties, this is a late comment, but, I hope that William still gets an apple every day, as much as to keep the doctor at bay as to accentuate his daily display.
Tobin, your rhyme online is perfectly fine, even if not on time.
:star_struck:
I love collaberative efforts! Great job to the whole team and very glad that any heart disease has been caught early enough to start treatment. What a dear boy!!
thanks to many of the team who volunteered their time! ?