Seeing a monkey with a breathing tube can be jarring. This procedure, endotracheal intubation, involves placing a tube through the mouth or nose into the windpipe (trachea) and connecting it to a ventilator, a machine that assists with breathing. This is a significant medical intervention reserved for specific, controlled circumstances.
The reasons for this procedure fall into two main categories: providing direct medical care to the animal or for use in biomedical research. In either case, the process is highly regulated and performed by trained professionals.
Medical and Veterinary Applications
In a veterinary setting, a monkey is intubated for reasons similar to humans. General anesthesia for surgery can suppress an animal’s natural drive to breathe. A breathing tube ensures the airway remains open and that the animal receives a steady supply of oxygen and anesthetic gas during the operation.
These procedures range from dental work to complex surgeries like removing a tumor or repairing a broken bone. A breathing tube is also necessary in emergencies where a monkey is critically ill, such as with a severe respiratory infection like pneumonia. A ventilator can provide life-saving support, giving the animal’s body time to fight the infection.
In these contexts, the procedure is purely therapeutic, with the primary goal being the animal’s health. The decision to intubate is made by a veterinarian based on medical needs. This is a standard practice in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries.
Use in Biomedical Research
Due to their physiological and genetic similarities to humans, non-human primates are sometimes used in biomedical research to study diseases and test new treatments. Intubation in a research setting is performed to investigate conditions affecting the respiratory system or to facilitate studies that require the animal to be still. For example, research into Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), a type of severe lung failure, often uses primate models to help scientists understand disease progression and test new therapies.
Research for vaccines and treatments for respiratory viruses, such as influenza or coronaviruses, may also involve primate studies. In these cases, intubation allows researchers to safely administer substances directly to the lungs or to monitor lung function with precision. This type of research was part of the effort to develop vaccines and treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond respiratory studies, some neuroscience research requires the use of intubation. These studies might investigate brain function related to breathing or require the animal to be immobile to allow for high-resolution imaging of the brain.
The Intubation Procedure and Animal Welfare
Intubating a monkey is a clinical procedure performed by trained veterinary staff while the animal is under full anesthesia to ensure it feels no pain or distress. The process involves guiding a flexible plastic tube, called an endotracheal tube, through the animal’s mouth and into its trachea. Once in place, the tube is secured, and a cuff is often inflated to create a seal, ensuring that all air from the ventilator goes into the lungs.
Throughout the time an animal is intubated, its vital signs—including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels—are continuously monitored. This constant monitoring allows the veterinary team to ensure the animal remains stable under anesthesia. Pain relief is also administered during and after the procedure to manage any discomfort.
Post-procedural care is also part of the welfare plan. After the breathing tube is removed, a process called extubation, the animal is closely watched to ensure it recovers from the anesthesia smoothly and can breathe normally on its own.
Ethical Framework and Oversight
The use of non-human primates in research is subject to stringent regulations. In the United States, the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) sets standards for the humane handling, care, and treatment of animals used in research. Any institution using primates in research must have an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), which includes a veterinarian and a public member, to review and approve all research protocols.
A central tenet of the ethical framework is the principle of the “Three Rs”: Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement. Replacement encourages using non-animal alternatives whenever possible. Reduction calls for using the minimum number of animals necessary for valid results. Refinement involves modifying procedures to minimize pain or distress to the animals.
The use of monkeys in research remains a topic of public debate. Scientists argue that some research, particularly for complex diseases, cannot be adequately modeled in other ways. Animal welfare advocates raise concerns about the ethical implications of using intelligent, social animals in research and advocate for adopting alternative methods. This ongoing dialogue shapes the regulations and practices governing primate research.