Integrated management of a captive l’hoest’s monkey (Allochrocebus lhoesti) with humeral fracture.

For major orthopaedic procedures in zoo animal species, cooperation between zoo veterinarians, animal caretakers, anaesthetists, and surgeons is crucial to achieve successful therapeutic results. An adult male L’Hoest’s monkey (Allochrocebus lhoesti), weighing 9.3 kg from the Parco Natura Viva, Bussolengo-Italy presented a comminuted, metaphyseal fracture of the right humerus. The zoo staff immediately provided antibiotic prophylaxis and pain therapy. The patient was referred to the University of Padova Veterinary Teaching Hospital where a team of anaesthesiologists and surgeons performed the internal fixation of the humeral fracture under isoflurane anaesthesia. Remifentanil (0.25 mcg/kg/min) and ketamine (10 mcg/kg/min) infusion provided intraoperative analgesia. The smooth, rapid and full recovery from anaesthesia allowed to bring the animal back to the zoo one hour after the end of the surgery. In the postoperative period the monkey was restricted in a cage but in contact with the family through a grate. Antibiotic and pain therapy (meloxicam, 0.1 mg/kg; tramadol, 4 mg/kg) was also provided. A form to record food intake, posture, alertness level, physiological functions, limb movements and pain signs was filled daily by keepers under the supervision of the zoo veterinarian. Five days post-surgery the animal started to move the arm and at day 23 the monkey showed complete functional recovery. Radiographic examination revealed bone consolidation and the animal was reintroduced within its group. In conclusion, this case highlights how timely intervention, adequate pain management, constant postoperative monitoring and cooperation are essential for the positive outcome of major trauma in non-human primate.