Recently, during the course of a positive reinforcement training session, Jenna noticed a spot on Missy’s gums that indicated a possible tooth infection. Missy is considered a higher anesthetic risk patient due to her age (less than one month shy of the big five-oh) and a previous adverse reaction to anesthesia, so Dr. Erin assembled an experienced team that could safely diagnose and treat her.
Dr. Erin and Krissy were assisted yesterday by many familiar faces, including anesthesiologist Dan Low, vet tech Jennifer Garcia, echo tech Amy Owens, sonographer Korey Krause, and veterinarians Donna Menshing (also a CSNW board member) and Lexi McGilvray. It was also our first opportunity to work with Dr. Charles Dyer of the Dental Coalition for Conservation.
Preparing a chimp for an exam involves isolating them from their group, typically the night before, and then moving the other chimps to a separate part of the facility in the morning so that we can administer the initial injection safely and without interference. Negra, Foxie, Jamie, and Burrito were happy to take a walk on Young’s Hill before breakfast but, predictably, Annie would not leave Missy’s side. After some intense negotiation involving bananas and juice, we agreed that Annie could stay and keep watch over Missy but from two rooms down.
The positive reinforcement training team—Sabrina, Jenna, and Ellen—had prioritized Missy’s injection training over the last several weeks and their work paid off, as Missy calmly accepted an injection by hand from Ellen. Once anesthetized, Missy was weighed and brought into the on-site veterinary clinic.
As predicted, Missy kept the anesthesia team on their toes but they were prepared. The decision was made to pull two incisors and slightly narrow the scope of imaging and other diagnostics so as not to prolong the exam any longer than necessary.
Annie was relieved to see Missy returned to Front Room 1 for recovery.
The team, including chimp house volunteer and retired nurse, Nancy, monitored Missy’s vitals closely until she was alert and active. All the while, the chimp house staff and volunteers worked around Missy’s procedure and recovery to keep up with the routine.
This morning, Missy was back with her group and ready to forage.
We’re grateful to Dr. Erin and to her incredible team of volunteer medical professionals for dedicating their time and their hearts to Missy’s care, with particular thanks to Dr. Dyer for traveling all the way from Texas (!) to take part and share his knowledge of exotic animal dentistry.
And as for Missy, I sure hope the Tooth Fairy can pay in tomatoes.
Relieved that all went well and that Missy had a safe recovery.
Thankyou for sharing this with us J B. and for taking the time to keep us in the loop. I felt I was there with you all during Missy’s surgery. You have such a dedicated team looking Missy’s welfare and although she is now minus two teeth she was rearing to go catching up with Annie and her pals and enjoying her soft tomatoes.A sigh of relief all round.
What an extraordinary team Missy had! Thank you for taking such good care of our precious girl.??
What an extraordinary team Missy had! Thank you for taking such good care of our precious girl.
Thanks to all for the medical care provided to Missy. Also thanks to Annie for keeping an eye on her best friend.
Wow. Sounds like precision in the midst of chaos!
Oh Annie. What a sweet and ever loyal friend. I’m so glad you accommodated her.
I thought of saying a special thank you for the efforts of the Dr. from Texas, and I am grateful, but I’m so grateful for everyone!
How tough is Missy? A day after surgery she was out foraging on Young’s Hill. I trust that the Tooth Fairy has many a tomato for Annie’s bestie.
No kidding! I thought for certain she would get at least a day or two of tomato juice and gazpacho to recover!
What a relief that all went well! Big thank you to the team for keeping Missy healthy and safe.
How great of a friend is Annie? She loves her BFF Missy so much! Leave it to Missy to be back in the move in the morning! She never ceases to amaze me!
congrats on a successful procedure. stressful for all involved with the best possible outcome. well done
What a wonderful team Missy had….. many thanks to everyone. They always look so small and vulnerable when they are on the table but Missy is one tough cookie and with dear best friend Annie to watch over her, we know she’ll be fine. Good job she loves tomatoes and not walnuts for post op snacking.
Thank you to everyone for taking such wonderful care of our sweet Missy !
That last photo of her is the best, she must have been thinking of tomatoes.:tomato:
Wow! Texas!
Thank you, Dr Dyer and tahnks to all of the medical team and staff who helped keep Annie’s BFF charging up the hill! I hope Annie never has to live without Missy. Birthday tomatoes incoming, as are Foxie’s watermelon bowls!
I had trouble reading past Annie not wanting to leave Missy’s side. 🙂 How sweet is that! Annie was wise to hold out for the bananas and juice in the back row seating. I am also guessing all of your hearts must’ve been in your throats, knowing what a delicate situation it is anesthetizing little Missy. Thank goodness all went well! How could it not with a top notch team like that. Thank you, everyone for your time and expertise, especially Dr. Dyer coming all the way from Texas. Absolutely incredible, thank you. I hope Annie is relieved to see her friend, healthy, and back in the group. Bananas and juice for everyone!
Great job to everyone! From identifying a health issue, to training for the procedure, to everyone involved in getting her though it and the aftercare! Amazing teamwork
I am so gratefull for the amazing team of people that time and time again offer their expertise and time to help the sanctuary out in times of need.
Dr Erin is a wonderfull human who has many friends by the looks of it and it is a testament to her own kindness and love for the chimpanzees and this sanctuary full of loving people.
Thank you very much for looking after Missy and Annie.
Great job! :clap::clap::clap:
im sure Missy is relieved not to have the pain in her mouth! Toothache is the worst!