Photos of Sean's Surgery
Photos courtesy of Campbellford Veterinary Services.
Thanks to Dr. Bruce Robertson D.V.M.
Thanks to Dr. Bruce Robertson D.V.M.
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Unfortunately, we did not think of taking digital photographs until the surgery was already half over. |
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Main Pin has already been placed along the interior of the Femur, and the Orthopedic Surgeon is slowly and gently aligning the fractured sections of bone along this pin, in order to assure maximum proximal alignment of the compound fracture. Prior to this stage in the surgery, blunt dissection techniques were used so as not to damage to soft tissue and blood supply, and in order to gently allow for access to the fracture site. |
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Another view of same. |
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In order to minimize rotation of the fractures the Orthopedic Surgeon decided to wrap the femur at intervals with gauge 28 stainless steel wire. The Surgeon is in the process of the initial snugging up of the second (or middle) wire. The central section of the femur had a lengthwise fracture, and it was also important to stabilize this section of bone. |
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After the third wire closest to the knee has been applied around the lower femur, it is about to be tied. You can see the wire from the previous photo is already tied after its initial application at the surgeon's thumb tip. It has yet to be drawn down snugly next to the bone. |
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The muscle tissue had been sutured with dissolving suture, and the same has been done subcutaniously along the incision. The surgeon is in the final process of using surgical glue at intervals along the incision for final and complete closure of the incision. The Centre has found that using surgical glue with Galago moholi to be superior to having external stitches, as the later are accessible to the patient, and primates and prosimians are notorious for 'picking' at their stitches. In fact Galago moholi, possessing a 'tooth comb' formed by the lower incisors is especially proficient at stitch removal while grooming with this tooth comb. |
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The patient is being awakened gradually with oxygen. Isoflourine was used as general anesthetic. The blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate were monitored by the surgeon's assistant. This was difficult to do due to the tiny body size of Galago moholi. Note the right femur's closed incision, and the shaving to the right leg prior to surgery to reduce chances of infection. |
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Respiratory rate is being visually monitored during recessitation. Note that the animal is lying on top of a towel, under which a heat pad is sustaining optimal body temperature. Due to the extraordinary skill of the orthopedic surgeon blood loss was kept to an absolute minimum, and total blood loss was probably under .50 cc. |
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A very groggy patient with a newly repaired femur begins to regain consciousness. The airways have just been checked to assure that there is no blockage. |
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Before regaining full consciousness, it was decided to take this opportunity to examine the dental condition of the patient. This male is approximately 7 years of age, (12 years being the average longevity) and there is virtually no tooth wear, and no sign of gingivitis. This is excellent, as it is evidence that the diet (which closely approximates this species natural diet) supplied at the Centre is optimal for the prevention of the common dental problems that aging Galagos are prone to in captivity. |
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As the eyes remain open and do not blink while under general anesthetic, it is necessary in order to prevent desiccation of the eye during surgery. In this photo, the eyes of the patient are being lubricated post surgically as the blink rate has not yet returned to normal. |
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Although his leg never regained its former flexibility, for obvious reasons, he has made a full recovery. He has been retired from active duty, and now only breeds with his favorite female. Of course it goes without saying that he resides in a cage which is low and flat in general design, to accommodate his disability. We did not wish to disturb him for an after photo, as he could strain his leg in an attempt to escape from the camera. After all, Sean is of wild temperment! |
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