Watch the video above to see Cy’s group enjoy another mild February day—a welcome change from January’s relentless cold and snow. Just don’t tell Gordo that I shared that clip of him.
And a quick update on Honey B:
As you may know, Honey B sustained a laceration to her lower right eyelid a couple of weeks ago and Dr. Erin leapt into action to perform an emergency repair that same day. After monitoring the healing process, Dr. Erin thought that it would be in Honey B’s long term best interest to have a surgeon perform a revision to the eyelid to ensure that both the lid and tear duct would continue to function correctly. As she always does, Dr. Erin assembled a great team to not only perform the surgery but also to conduct as much diagnostic evaluation and preventative treatment as possible while Honey B was under anesthesia to reduce the need for further procedures down the road.
We were grateful to have Leah Bezzo, CRNA return to the sanctuary to perform anesthesia along with her colleague Christine Zielke, CRNA. Tyler Sugerman, DVM, another veteran CSNW volunteer, performed an abdominal ultrasound using our new machine. On the other side of the table, Jerry Woodfield, DVM DACVIM (Cardiology), performed an echocardiogram. And after the initial tests were conducted, Karen Brantman-Crosetto, DVM DACVO performed the surgery.
Here’s the good news: Honey B is overall quite healthy and Dr. Brantman-Crosetto did a wonderful job on the eyelid. Honey B will, unfortunately, need some additional time apart from her group while the revision heals but we are optimistic that she’ll be back with her friends soon. And in the meantime she will sit with her chimp friends at the window, spend tons of quality time with her human ones, and receive extra enrichment from Chad, Ellen, and the rest of the team.
As she often does, Dr. Erin served as both orchestra conductor and player, sneaking in joint and dental exams, x-rays, and other tests as her assembled team proceeded through their evaluations. Did you know that the CSNW caregivers also take turns serving as Procedure Manager? This role, filled on this occasion by Kelsi, ensures that the medical team follows a schedule developed in advance by Dr. Erin, keeps notes and records throughout the procedure, makes sure each task is completed, and finds that thing that no one else in the clinic can seem to find when they need it.
Many thanks again to this incredible group of volunteer medical professionals! And keep your fingers crossed that Honey B leaves Dr. Brantman-Crosetto’s beautiful handiwork alone.
Linda C says
Thank you, JB!
Glad to hear everything went well, and fingers are crossed that she leaves it alone.
I don’t think Gordo has to work too hard; the ladies would be happy for any company! Poor Terry, so often misunderstood!
Maureen says
They get such good care. Always. If recovery takes awhile, it can only be due to the nature of the injury and the repair, not because it was done poorly. I’m sure Honey B. must be chafing to get back with her friends, but loving the extra attention and enrichment. I’ll be glad to see her back, too, looking- and seeing- so much better than before.
So it seems there a few of these folks who have an eye out for someone of the opposite sex. Whaddya think? Gonna give them a chance to meet? I know, human and romantic wishes don’t necessarily work for them, but maybe…
Linda C says
Maybe some interaction through the howdy door on a boring winter’s day. Call it “enrichment”
Cindee says
Gordo was so cute, showing off for the ladies next door! And I loved your captions J.B., especially about Rayne’s snowballs.
CeeCee says
Poor Honey B, She is so lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful caregivers.
I Hope she isn’t her own worst enemy again, and she leaves it alone.:revolving_hearts:
Kathleen says
I’m always impressed by the way you pull together so many skilled medical professionals when needed. How fortunate for the chimps. And cattle too!
Hoping Honey B’s new surgery heals without issue. (Good luck with that!) How’s that revision the long PVC tube coming along? Honey B is going to need to keep her fingers busy. 🙂
Gordo was very funny flirting with the neighbors. Did Cy break in on Terry and Willy B because he was warding off a meltdown by Willy B? Was Terry greeting or looking to stir things up with Willy? I can’t really see Terry behind Willy to get a feel of the situation.
A lot of little stories going on out on the Bray today! Spring fever perhaps?
J.B. says
I think Cy understands Willy B a bit better than the others and he could see that Willy just wanted to get inside and didn’t want to sit through an elaborate submissive greeting.
Nancy Duryea says
J.B. thanks for the update on Honey B and the video was fun to watch.
Eli says
Oh, Gordito! Does he still nurse a soft spot for Foxie? Careful, Gordo, she might be tiny, but she sure is mighty!
I’m glad to hear that Honey B is healthy and healing up well. Hopefully she’ll let her eyelid alone and it can heal!
J.B. says
I think he might have his eye on Jamie…
Linda C says
oooh! Dream big, Gordito! Dream big!
Eli says
Between Gordo and Willy B, she sure is popular. I guess they just like ladies with a strong personality!
Cara says
so wonderful to see Cy’s group enjoying the great outdoor! Gordo, so male :joy:! Honey B, heal quickly :pray:?
Arlene and Michael says
Sending prayers and healing wishes to Honey B. Thank you all for your amazing care for these wonderful Chimps and bovine.
PatC says
The fun stories are always….fun. But it also means a lot to me when you tell us about other details of care. Thank you for the details of orchestrating a procedure and about the Procedure Manager position. So glad Honey B is on the mend. xo