V-day Part 3 and A1C tests

Don't let the long canines fool you -
Spaz is a very happy boy!

V-Day 2 Afternoon
We blogged about the vasectomy procedures done in the early part of the tuesday.  Everything went faster than expected and it turned out that we could squeeze more operations into the afternoon.  The afternoon group consisted of  Arie (marmoset), Willy (tamarin), CB, Manson and Mochi (all brown capuchins) and Spazz, a white-faced capuchin.


These fellows were all on their best behavior and everything went according to plan. They have all since recovered and have been released back to their homes.  No more babies for us!

A1C Tests

Humans and Monkeys use the same
test device.

With the all the vasectomies done, we moved on to A1C tests fr our diabetic monkeys.  All of the diabetic monkeys are brown capuchins.  Sadly, monkey diabetes is a real thing, brought on by the poor nutrition they received when they were kept as 'pets.' A1C tests results reflect  average blood sugar levels and are a way to track how well blood sugar is managed -- and some of them were doing very well! Connie, Meko, Buddy and Tessa especially were all much better than expected.

Connie has been on insulin for many years and has been resistant.  We have been raising the amount of insulin over the years.  But we are now happy to report that her test results were wonderful.

Meko is on glipizide right now, but his glucose was so low, and his A1C test so great, that we will begin weaning him off of glipizide and manage his diabetes with diet alone.

When Tessa arrived, she had VERY high glucose -- she was close to death.  She has however been off of insulin now for a year and a half, and is also managed by diet.  Our hunch is that much of her recovery has to do with her beautiful relationship with Mario -- her soul mate!

Buddie was also on insulin when she arrived at the sanctuary, but thanks to careful dieting we have managed her diabetes for five years.  Her A1C test was especially good.


YOU can help Jungle Friends keep these monkeys healthy by donating to the Gizmo Medical Memorial Fund.  Donations to the Fund are used for ongoing medical expenses in providing veterinary care for our monkeys, and to purchase medical supplies for our on-site clinic, and every dollar helps.  




-Jeff