Dr. Jean-Felix reaches out to Ihirwe.On August 18, the Gorilla Doctors performed a full medical examination on new mountain gorilla orphan Ihirwe to determine if she has any diseases or other health disorders. The infant had been suffering from a respiratory infection but was recovering nicely after receiving antibiotics. 

Ihirwe receives the anesthesia injection.Here is Dr. Jean-Felix’s report on the exam:

I was the primary veterinarian for the procedure and was assisted by Drs. Noel and Jan. Elisabeth Nyirakaragire, Volcanoes National Park’s Veterinary Warden, took notes during the exam.

Resting with caretaker Innocent.I injected Ihirwe with an anesthesia drug to sedate her during the exam. When she was completely asleep Orphan Caretaker Innocent Kabendera carried her to the exam table inside.

Drs. Jean-Felix and Noel take swabs while Volcanoes National Park’s Veterinary Warden Elisabeth Nyirakaragire takes notes.Dr. Noel and I initiated the physical examination and monitored her physiological parameters, which were all normal.   Blood samples were collected from the left femoral vein and dry and viral swabs were taken from her mouth, throat, nose, vagina and anus.

We then took body measurements and administered vaccines for polio, tetanus, rabies and MMR (measles, mumps and rubella). Once we finished I administered a does of Atipamizole to reverse the anesthesia.

Here is a video of the procedure:

I was able to process some blood samples at our laboratory in Musanze, Rwanda, and all the results were within normal limits. Overall, Ihirwe is in good condition.  

Dr. Jean-Felix checks Ihirwe’s heart as she begins to wake up. MGVP caretakers Innocent and Fabian watch.I have asked orphan caretakers from MGVP and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to monitor Ihirwe carefully and note any signs of fever that could result from the vaccinations. I will perform a TB test in September. 

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