Yoko — medical report

by Richard Allan, D.M.V.
Spring 2004 newsletter

One of our most significant medical events, since our last newsletter, involved Yoko, our small male of 29 years. Early one morning, while Gloria was doing her regular chores, she noticed that Yoko was unable to support himself on his back legs. No symptoms of pain were apparent but he was literally dragging his body around with his arms. Yoko's appetite seemed normal. When he entered his feeding area Yoko was immediately locked in and isolated from the other chimps for further observation.

At first Yoko mental attitude seemed normal with normal appetite and normal body functions. However, there was neither improvement nor deterioration for a couple of weeks. Rapid onset of muscular paralysis is extremely difficult to diagnose; trauma to the spinal cord was a probable diagnosis, but cortisone was not improving the symptoms. As Yoko seemed to become more irritable and depressed I phoned our human dermatologist, who had treated Petra in the winter of 2002 for eczema, asking for a referral to a human neurologist. Luckily, being the Christmas holidays, Dr Gratton's new son in law from Syracuse New York was arriving soon for the holidays and happened to be a neurologist. On December 28th Dr Paul Kent examined Yoko for a period of one hour. With patience Yoko adapted to the presence of Dr. Kent allowing his feet to be examined and palpated with no resistance. Yoko's reflexes were still present but Yoko had lost about 50% of his muscular strength. Dr Kent probable diagnoses were as follows:

1 — Spinal trauma after an injury
2 — Retro Peritoneal abscess
3 — Guillain Barre Syndrome (the most probable diagnosis)

In a logical medical procedure, Yoko was anaesthetised and transported to our small animal hospital for X-rays of the spine and abdomen. No spinal injury or abdominal growths were visible. Fortunately, Dr. Lisa Carioto mv, a renowned Internal Medicine specialist from Montreal, was kind enough to perform an ultrasound procedure on Yoko. Still no pathologies were obvious. Blood test demonstrated severe hypothyroidism but muscular weakness and paralysis are not symptoms of thyroid disease. Logically, Yoko probably was suffering from Guillain Barre Syndrome. However, there is no specific medical test to diagnose this syndrome. The diagnosis is only after other diseases are ruled out. The cause is unknown but it can be viral induced as reported in the USA during a 1970 epidemic after a new influenza vaccine had been introduced to the American population. It is a self-limiting disease in most cases.

Yoko has demonstrated perseverance and courage with dramatic improvement over the past several weeks. He has been reintroduced to the social group but, unfortunately, has definite reduced muscle tone in his legs. For this reason, I have recommended that renovations to the infra structure of the play areas be a priority for Yoko and other older arthritic chimpanzees. Renovations being considered are wider and less steep stairs, less height in platforms, less slippery floor
surfaces and more lighting. Thankfully, Yoko has made a full recovery.

note from Gloria

We were deeply touched by Dr. Gratton's quick response to Yoko's problems. He has been just wonderful to the chimps. His son in law, Dr. Kent, came into the chimphouse and adapted very quickly to his new surroundings.

He stood with me, next to Yoko, and in a very quiet and non-threatening way explained all that could be wrong with Yoko. Obviously an examination would be ideal but I was nervous for Dr. Kent and didn't feel comfortable with him touching Yoko, especially due to Yoko's dislike of human strangers.

What truly amazed me was Yoko's response to this special man. When Dr. Kent bent down and moved closer to Yoko, Yoko didn't move; in fact, I noticed he was not going to challenge Dr. Kent and I said maybe he could try to touch Yoko's feet. To my amazement, Yoko let him! I didn't want my shock to show through or make Dr. Kent nervous but it seemed clear to me that Yoko was not threatened or worried about this new stranger who was obviously a kind, caring and extremely gentle man with an incredible bedside manner. Yoko trusts so few people but it said so much about Dr. Kent that Yoko didn't hurt him.

On the day of Yoko's anaesthesia and the day his ultrasound was to be performed we were all so worried. Yoko had lost a lot of weight, was dehydrated, getting weaker, very grumpy and agitated. He knew something was going to happen and actually tried very hard to cooperate when it came time to have his injections.

The injections, that administer the ketamine and the drugs, really sting and the needle is quite large. Because the chimps don't hold their arms still there are many injections done to get the appropriate amount of drugs into the system to immobilize them.

Yoko was so brave, he wanted Pat to give him his injections, not Richard - and he wanted Dawna and I to be there to comfort him because he needed the reassurance. Once Yoko fell asleep we very quickly transported him to Richards's clinic where Dr. Lisa Carioti and Jean Moreau were waiting to begin the ultrasound.

We were deeply touched by the gentle and compassionate way Yoko's poor little body was treated by his new doctors. So much attention was paid to the details - his comfort, his position on the table, his body temperature, the length of time, the administration of the drugs, antibiotics, vitamins, fluids. It was such a comfort knowing Yoko was in such competent hands.

We would like to thank all the wonderful people who helped give Yoko another chance. People who came to his side when he was in desperate need and people who showed what a difference a few hours given to another, in need, can make.

God bless you for your commitment to a special chimpanzee who has given so much and to so many during his years in research.

Thank you for acknowledging his service to man and for showing such respect to this amazing hero — Yoko Chimpanzee.