In an unprecedented medical procedure, a lowland gorilla named Mizani has become the first of his kind to undergo a mastoidectomy, a procedure traditionally performed on humans to treat chronic ear infections. This groundbreaking surgery took place on 26 March at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where a collaborative team of specialists from UC San Diego worked alongside zoo veterinarians.
Mizani, a 12-year-old gorilla, exhibited several troubling symptoms including headaches, a diminished appetite, and difficulty in fully opening his mouth. These signs prompted immediate veterinary intervention and a thorough examination of his health conditions. Following these assessments, it was determined that Mizani was suffering from mastoiditis, a bacterial infection located behind the ear, as well as sinusitis.
The diagnosis indicated that Mizani’s health issues may have existed prior to his arrival at the zoo in 2024. Dr. Anthony Cerreta, the on-duty veterinarian, initiated treatment by prescribing anti-nausea medications and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug aimed at alleviating Mizani’s pain. However, despite these efforts, his condition failed to improve, prompting the need for a more invasive approach.
A mastoidectomy is a complex operation involving the removal of infected tissue from the mastoid bone, located behind the ear. This surgery is typically performed to address severe ear infections and complications arising from them. Upon concluding that Mizani required a mastoidectomy to prevent the return of his symptoms, a surgical date was set.
On the day of the procedure, a highly coordinated team worked together at the Harter Veterinary Medical Center. Dr. Jeffrey Harris and Dr. Krish Suresh, both otolaryngology and head and neck surgery experts from the University of California, played a pivotal role in the surgery. Their expertise, combined with the efforts of a dedicated six-member support team, ensured that the procedure was conducted efficiently.
Dr. Ryan Sadler, a senior veterinarian at the zoo, highlighted the significance of the collaboration involved in the surgery. He stated, “These two surgeons are highly specialised in this particular surgery, and their experience greatly benefited the operation’s effectiveness.” This multi-disciplinary approach allowed zoo veterinarians to concentrate on Mizani’s stability and anesthesia throughout the surgery.
The operation was a success, and Mizani has since entered a recovery phase. Early reports indicate that his health is on the mend, with a positive outlook for his future. Dr. Sadler noted the unusual nature of Mizani’s case, remarking on the parallels and differences in medical procedures across species.
This pioneering surgery marks a significant milestone in veterinary medicine and sets a precedent for the treatment of complex health issues in similar primate species. The collaborative effort reflects both the dedication of the veterinary teams and the increasing capabilities of veterinary medicine to address intricate health problems in animal care.
Mizani’s journey underscores the importance of veterinary practices evolving in response to the unique health challenges faced by non-human animals. His case will likely serve as a reference point for future surgeries and may encourage further research and advancements in the field.
As Mizani continues his recovery, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park team remains optimistic about his health and well-being, demonstrating the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in improving animal care.