MISCELLAN-EYE

First cataract operation on a gorilla in Europe

BRISTOL - A 265lb adult gorilla with congenital cataracts has been operated on in the Veterinary Department at the University of Bristol. The operation lasted two hours and consisted of phacoemulsification followed by an implantation of a silicon IOL. Initial reports from the zoo's personnel qualify the procedure as very successful.

"We could see immediately that she could see," said Sharon Redrobe, Head of Veterinary Services at Bristol Zoo Garden. She reported that another gorilla which had become accustomed to stealing her food was chased off across the length of the enclosure.

The operation was carried out by Jenny Watts MD, an NHS ophthalmic surgeon from Winchester General Hospital, UK. She was assisted by a veterinary anesthetist, Dan Holden, and an expert on cataracts in cats and dogs, David Gould.

The western lowland gorilla was first shot with a tranquilizer gun then moved to the operating theatre. She then received general anaesthesia. Detailed ultrasound measurements were made on the spot to calculate which IOL was needed.
One of the biggest challenges of this story must have been that undertaken by Melanie Gage, the zoo's gorilla keeper, who had to persuade the gorilla to accept prophylactic antibiotic eye drops four times a day for a week before the operation, and two weeks afterwards. The successful approach consisted of "drizzling the solution through a catheter so the drops ran gently into her eye."

Love was blind
The operation was carried out despite concerns aired by Italian vets from Rome zoo. The gorilla arrived in the UK last November from Rome as part of an international breeding programme to preserve endangered species. Her keepers at Bristol concluded that her blindness was interfering with her ability to mate.
The 21-year-old gorilla had congenital cataracts in both eyes. She was bullied throughout her life and had severe movement limitation and a disinclination to spend time outdoors when the sun shone. Keepers report that she found bright light uncomfortable.

But all that seems to have changed now. She has started exploring the gorillas' island and has been seen play fighting.
"Her life has been improved in just about every way," say her keepers. The team plans to repeat the procedure in her other eye in six months time.
"Ooga ooga ooga whabba whabba hoo hoo!" the gorilla roared. Which translates as (according to the keepers): "I can see clearly now!"

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