Laparoscopic appendectomy to remove a metallic foreign body in a wild Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) undergoing rehabilitation.

A laparoscopic appendectomy was performed in a wild orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) undergoing rehabilitation, for a metal nail found on radiographs, using 3-mm instrumentation. Post-operative healing was rapid and uneventful, with return to the forest within 10 days. This is the first report of minimally invasive surgery in a wild orangutan.

A-scan biometry, phacoemulsification, and foldable intraocular lens implantation in a young orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus).

Background: Cataracts are the major cause of visual impairment in animals which can be curable by surgical treatment. Phacoemulsification is the standard technique for cataract treatment that is applied to almost all species with a high success rate. Case Description: A 2-year-old intact female orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) was presented for the study having bilateral opacity of the lenses, for 2 weeks. Ophthalmic examination revealed mature cataract OU. Ocular biometry measurements using A-scan ultrasonography for appropriate intraocular lens (IOL) refractive power calculation were carried out. Electroretinography was applied to ensure retinal function is intact. The orangutan underwent phacoemulsification OU and +24 diopter IOL implantation OS to restore vision. IOL implantation was not carried out OD because of a posterior capsular tear. Retinoscopy after 3 weeks postoperatively revealed +2.0 diopters OS. The outcome of the cataract surgery was successful during 3 years follow-up. The orangutan lived with other orangutans and was alert with normal behavior such as catching food, climbing trees, and swinging hand over hand from one branch to another. Conclusion: Cataract surgery with phacoemulsification OU and adjusted IOL implantation OD was successful with few complications in this orangutan. Vision was restored with normal behavior, even though an adjusted IOL was inserted in only one eye.

Anesthetic management of an orangutan (Pongo abelii/pygmaeus) undergoing laparoscopic tubal ligation.

An adult hybrid orangutan (Pongo abelii/pygmaeus) was presented to a veterinary teaching hospital for laparoscopic tubal ligation. The orangutan was immobilized with the use of injectable anesthetic agents, then orotracheally intubated. Anesthesia was maintained with the use of isoflurane in oxygen, and positive-pressure ventilation was used to ensure adequate gas exchange. Parameters monitored included arterial blood pressure, ECG, capnometry, and arterial blood gases. Anesthesia was uneventful, and recovery was smooth.

Fractures, dislocations and contusions in the Borneon orang utan (Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus)--a review of 21 cases.

The clinical features, radiographic findings and management of traumatic lesions in the orang utan are described with reference to 21 cases. Eight cases had fractures of the femur and five had humeral fractures; all the fractures were successfully treated. One case with a skull fracture (frontal parietal) died before treatment could be instigated. Five orang utans with contusions recovered with symptomatic treatment and rest.

Surgical repair of an atrial septal defect in a juvenile Sumatran orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus sumatraensis).

A systolic heart murmur was auscultated in a 2-yr-old female Sumatran orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus sumatraensis) with a slower than expected growth rate. Cardiac ultrasound revealed an 11-mm atrial septal defect. Cardiac catheterization confirmed the diagnosis. Surgical repair was performed during cardiopulmonary bypass using a pericardial patch. The bypass pump was primed with human albumin and donor orangutan whole blood of a compatible type. Hematuria occurred shortly after the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass. Successful repair was immediately confirmed with transesophageal ultrasonography. The animal was extubated shortly after returning to spontaneous ventilation but had to be reintubated 4 hr later due to tachypnea and decreased SpO2. Additional extubation attempts failed, necessitating continuous positive pressure ventilation, monitoring, and intensive care environment. Thoracic radiographs suggested adult respiratory distress syndrome. The animal required 14 days of intensive care before extubation of the trachea was successful. After 4 wk of isolation, the orangutan was successfully reintroduced to its family group.