Case Report: From critical trauma to functional recovery: a novel surgical and hand-rearing strategy in a neonatal Hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas).

Infanticide and infant-directed aggression are recognized behaviors in non-human primates and can occasionally lead to severe neonatal trauma. This report describes the successful management of a life-threatening anorectal and sacro-coccygeal injury in a neonatal Hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas) following an aggressive encounter with an adult male. The neonate presented in critical condition with profuse hemorrhage, sacro-coccygeal dislocation, and extensive damage to the perineal and anorectal tissues, resulting in hypovolemia and hemodynamic instability. After initial stabilization, emergency surgery was performed under isoflurane anesthesia. Owing to complete dislocation and non-viability of the distal tail, a therapeutic caudectomy was carried out, accompanied by anorectal reconstruction through debridement, mobilization of the rectal mucosa, and restoration of anorectal continuity. A temporary rectal stent was placed to maintain patency during healing. Post-operative management included antimicrobial therapy, analgesia, thermal support, and intensive monitoring. Considering the risk of recurrent aggression, the infant was subsequently hand-reared under controlled environmental conditions with structured nutritional support. Steady weight gain from 602 g at birth to 1.5 kg at 15 weeks, along with the return of normal fecal passage, indicated satisfactory functional recovery. This case highlights the importance of prompt stabilization, meticulous surgical intervention, and dedicated post-operative care in achieving favorable outcomes following severe anorectal trauma in neonatal non-human primates. It also contributes to the limited body of literature describing caudectomy and anorectal reconstruction in this age group.