Dear All,
I can’t find the words in English to express how bad I feel….
Introduction process had to be stopped as Tommy’s arm infection started again: pus mixed with blood came out of Tommy’s last wound the other day and vet Jean-Claude was called immediately.
It was finally decided to open the wound again, to get rid of the sick/dead skins, to find out from where infection was coming out while cleaning the wound thoroughly.
For now a fifth time, little Tommy had to be sedated for the vets to have a deep look at what was going on. Infection appeared to be located superficially just underneath the skin and not close to the bone where it was before.
According to Jean-Claude, Tommy (or another chimp) might have scratched the healed wound with dirty hands/nails and bacteria have probably found their way thus creating infection.
Tommy is no longer at the sanctuary (no vet clinic yet at JACK, remember!): I brought him back home for daily cleaning of his wound. Bandages are again on the agenda…all the wonderful pictures of the little one being introduced and climbing trees with the other chimps now belong to the past and I personally feel extremely down…
Ekolo and Nalia are still at JACK but don’t interact with all the nursery group.
Tommy is their strength and they need Tommy to face the elder ones of the nursery. Papa Augustin remained at the complex to take care of Ekolo & Nalia which is actually good otherwise the little ones would have been completely lost.
During day, they play in the surrounding bush of our sanctuary and, at night, they still share their nests with the peaceful little ones of the infant group: Santa, Kimo, Maïka, Rosie, Bapu and Pundu…
Tommy isn’t alone: Papa Marcel is staying with him and I brought a young friend for baby Tommy from the nursery group: VIDA!
They get on well together. And I hope the fact Tommy is in good company will help him recover very fast… It shouldn’t be that long before the wound is healing up again according to Jean-Claude… I really hope the vet is right!!!???
I’ll keep you posted,
Thank you all
Roxane/J.A.C.K.
Ping :Tika, Joma, Nalia & Ekolo – successful introductions! – J.A.C.K.
Roxane — Take heart! So glad the infection is superficial! Hopefully it will clear up quickly so Tommy can be back where he belongs with all his friends.
Poor baby! He just can seem to get well and stay well. Let’s hope this is the last time they have to open his wound. Hugs to you! I know you are discouraged for him but at least he can be treated.
I’m so sorry for Tommy!!!!! I hope his arm will get better very soon. Many, many hugs to the little chap!!!!