Keyword: Photobiomodulation, traumatic wound, chimpanzee, exotic
Author(s): Phillipa Dobbs BSc (hons) BVetMed (hons) CertAVP MRCVS. Twycross Zoo, Warwickshire, UK
Signalment
Non-human primate (Chimpanzee), 32yrs, Male (vasectomized), “Flyn”
History
Full thickness wound to lateral right thigh sustained during a fight with another chimpanzee.
Diagnostics and Exam Findings
Surgery was performed March 26th to suture the large skin flap. Within a few days, all edges of the wound had been re-opened by the chimps and the flap was detached from the thigh along 2 edges.
Laser Treatment Details
Laser therapy was initiated on April 18th after surgical site failure, utilizing the preset deep wound protocol, delivering a fluence of 7 J/cm². Treatment was adjusted as the size of the wound decreased with therapy.
Frequency of Treatment
A total of 34 treatments have been done so far, ranging from daily to every 2 to 3 days.
Other Treatments
Standard of care was applied including oral antibiotics (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid), probiotic (biokult), paracetamol and meloxicam. Wound management was performed twice daily with wound lavage using sterile saline and topical treatments to keep the wound moist. Mechanical debridement of the wound was performed as and when needed. To date no further anaesthetics have been needed.
Presentation (after extensive flushing)
Surgical repair
Surgical repair breakdown due to patient interference
One day prior to starting laser therapy
After 15 laser therapy treatments
After 34 laser therapy treatments (7 weeks post-op)
