Name
Severe Traumatic Brain and Skull Injury in a Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta)
Description

A juvenile male rhesus macaque was rescued by the Department of National Parks (DNP). The monkey exhibited weakness, partial responsiveness on the right side of the body, and a hematoma on the left side of the face, with an open wound and crepitus over the left zygomatic and maxillary bones. A gunshot injury was suspected. Radiographic imaging revealed fractures of the left zygomatic and maxillary bones, with multiple fragments of ammunition material present. Neurological examination revealed weakness, anisocoria, horizontal nystagmus, and a negative palpebral reflex, suggestive of facial nerve and trigeminal nerve damage. Mannitol (0.5 mg/kg) was administered intravenously every 6 hours for 72 hours, along with anti-inflammatory medications, analgesics, antibiotics, and nutritional supplements. A computed tomography (CT) scan performed on the fifth day of treatment revealed multiple fractures of the left skull, including the left maxilla, zygomatic, frontal, temporal, pretemporal, and occipital bones, as well as destruction of the left temporomandibular joint. Small fractures were also detected in the inner and middle ear structures, with fluid accumulation in the left bulla and external ear canal. The bullet had not penetrated the cranial cavity. The monkey responded positively to treatment. The owner preferred supportive and alternative therapies over surgical intervention. By the third week, the monkey displayed normal behavior, a good appetite, and full responsiveness on the right side of the body. The left facial reflex was partially responsive, with no palpebral reflex. Acupuncture was administered weekly for 10 sessions, resulting in the recovery of both facial and palpebral reflexes.

Session Type
Poster