Suppurative arthritis in an infant orangutan

A 12-day-old male orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) was removed from its mother because of oral ulcers and reluctance to suckle. Close examination revealed ulcerations extended to the mandibular bone. Staphylococcus aureus was cultured from the oral lesions. Despite intensive antibiotic therapy, the infection progressed to septicemia, with suppurative arthritis of the left coxofemoral and right radiohumeral joints. Treatment included removal of synovial exudate by aspiration, indwelling drains, and arthrotomy. Antibiotics were administered systemically and by joint irrigation. The infant responded well to the treatment, which lasted for approximately 2 months.