Chimpanzee Whole Blood (NHP-BP023)

The paper provides a case study of a 12-year-old female chimpanzee, severely anemic, subjected to treatment through a homologous whole blood transfusion at the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre. Initially, the chimpanzee was presented with emaciation and generalized muscle weakness. Its condition worsened since the instituted initial treatments, which included fluid therapy and nutritional support, did not avert the rapid progression of anemia and hypokalemia. The case turned serious when the animal became depressed and jaundiced, expressing an acute hemolytic crisis as a possibility.

To counter the severe anemia, transfusion was administered of blood from a cross-matched, compatible, healthy adult male chimpanzee. The transfusion was closely monitored, and the positive result was noted that tachycardia of the recipient significantly reduced during the procedure, while clinical improvement continued over the following 24 hours without any adverse reactions.

This intervention emphasizes the essentialness of timely and judicious use of whole-blood transfusions in controlling severe anemia in chimpanzees, especially where rapid access to comprehensive diagnostic facilities is not readily possible. Experimental data presented on details of hematology and biochemistry values before and after transfusion show good management of the chimpanzee's critical condition. The recovery post-transfusion is well presented. The case report brings out concern for the necessity to have available and compatible blood donors in rehabilitation or zoo facilities in case of emergencies.

Reference

1. Debenham., et al. “HOMOLOGOUS WHOLE BLOOD TRANSFUSION DURING TREATMENT OF SEVERE ANEMIA IN A CHIMPANZEE (PAN TROGLODYTES).” Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, vol. 45, no. 3, 2014, pp. 654–57.