RESUMEN
Rehabilitation centres help injured animals to recover and return back to the wild. This study aimed to analyse trends in intake and outcomes for the common kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) admitted into rehabilitation centres in the Czech Republic. From 2010 to 2019, a total of 12,923 kestrels were admitted to 34 rehabilitation centres with an increasing trend (rSp = 0.7697, P < 0.01) being found during the monitored period. Subadult kestrels (34.70%) and kestrels injured by power lines (26.57%) were most often admitted. Most kestrels in the rehabilitation centres died or had to be euthanized (81.66%), only 15.90% of the birds could be released back into the wild. The median length of stay in rehabilitation centres for kestrels that were subsequently released was 35 days. Considering survival rates, the most critical threat to kestrels was poisoning (100% of the cases resulted in death) but mortality of the kestrels admitted for most other reasons also exceeded 80%. Given the low success rate of the care of kestrels in rehabilitation centres and the relatively small proportion returned to the wild, it is essential to eliminate the causes leading to their admission, that is, to protect their natural habitats and to prevent unnecessary capture.
Asunto(s)
Animales Salvajes/crecimiento & desarrollo , Enfermedades de las Aves/terapia , Falconiformes/crecimiento & desarrollo , Hospitales Veterinarios/estadística & datos numéricos , Administración de la Práctica Veterinaria/estadística & datos numéricos , Crianza de Animales Domésticos/métodos , Crianza de Animales Domésticos/estadística & datos numéricos , Animales , Animales Salvajes/clasificación , Animales Salvajes/lesiones , Enfermedades de las Aves/diagnóstico , Conservación de los Recursos Naturales/métodos , Conservación de los Recursos Naturales/estadística & datos numéricos , República Checa , Falconiformes/clasificación , Falconiformes/lesiones , Factores de Tiempo , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
Black kites (Milvus migrans govinda) often become injured due to kite-string injuries obtained during the International Kite Flying Festival that takes place during the celebration of Uttarayan, in Ahmedabad, India. The purpose of this study was to compare respiratory variables in ventilated and nonventilated black kites, to facilitate an evidence-based decision on whether to ventilate injured birds. A total of 56 juvenile and adult black kites of unknown sex were anesthetized and divided into a ventilated group (VG) and a nonventilated group (NVG). The variables recorded were end tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2), peripheral capillary oxygen saturation, heart rate, respiratory rate, and maintenance percentage of isoflurane (%ISO). The ETCO2 values were higher in the NVG compared to the VG (72.9 ± 19.8 mm Hg compared to 16.0 ± 5.6 mm Hg, P < .01). The %ISO required to maintain adequate depth of anesthesia was higher in NVG compared to VG (3.5% ± 0.5% compared to 2.2% ± 0.4%, P < .001). Peripheral capillary oxygen saturation was not statistically different between groups (NVG 96.3% ± 3.5% compared to the VG 96.0% ± 5.1%, P = .867). Ventilation under anesthesia appears to lower the ETCO2 and the %ISO flow rate used to maintain a surgical plane of anesthesia. These findings should provide information that will be helpful in the anesthetic management of black kites and may apply to other avian species as well.
Asunto(s)
Falconiformes/lesiones , Frecuencia Cardíaca , Respiración Artificial/veterinaria , Respiración , Heridas y Lesiones/veterinaria , Animales , Animales Salvajes/lesiones , Técnicas de Apoyo para la Decisión , Oxígeno/sangre , Heridas y Lesiones/terapiaRESUMEN
Distraction osteogenesis was used in 2 wild raptor patients for the repair of tibiotarsal fractures. The first case was a hatching year female peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) admitted with an open oblique right distal tibiotarsal fracture. The fracture was surgically managed with the external skeletal fixator intramedullary pin tie-in technique (ESF-IM pin tie-in). Appropriate healing of the fracture site occurred with the ESF-IM pin tie-in. However, there was significant pelvic limb shortening of the affected leg, and the bird consequently developed pododermatitis on the contralateral foot. The second case was an adult female great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) that was admitted with a closed, partially healed, overriding right tibiotarsal fracture. Because of the advanced stage of this fracture, which presented with a fibrous callus, and the already apparent pelvic limb shortening, the ESF-IM pin tie-in was not used. Both patients were fitted with a circular external skeletal fixator (CESF), and distraction osteogenesis was performed until the length of the pelvic limb was deemed anatomically adequate. It is critical that rehabilitated raptors be released without any physical conditions that may reduce their ability to survive and reproduce in the wild. Pelvic limb shortening can potentially predispose a raptor patient to pododermatitis, even with fatal consequences, in both captive and wild environments. The orthopedic technique used here proved useful to repair the limb shortening in both raptor cases, and each bird fully recovered and was released.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de las Aves/terapia , Falconiformes , Fracturas Óseas/veterinaria , Osteogénesis por Distracción/veterinaria , Estrigiformes , Animales , Enfermedades de las Aves/diagnóstico por imagen , Fijadores Externos/veterinaria , Falconiformes/lesiones , Femenino , Fracturas Óseas/diagnóstico por imagen , Fracturas Óseas/terapia , Radiografía/veterinaria , Estrigiformes/lesiones , Huesos Tarsianos/lesiones , Fracturas de la Tibia/diagnóstico por imagen , Fracturas de la Tibia/terapia , Fracturas de la Tibia/veterinaria , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate use of a caudoventral-craniodorsal oblique radiographic view made at 45° to the frontal plane (H view) for assessment of the pectoral (thoracic) girdle in raptors. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional analysis. ANIMALS: 24 raptors suspected to have a fracture of the thoracic girdle. PROCEDURES: Standard ventrodorsal and H views were obtained for all birds. Radiographs were evaluated twice by a radiologist blinded to the final diagnosis, with each view first evaluated independently and views then evaluated in combination. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated, with results of surgery or necropsy used as the gold standard. RESULTS: 9 birds had thoracic girdle fractures; fractures were correctly identified in 8 of these 9 birds on the ventrodorsal view alone, 7 of these 9 birds on the H view alone, and all 9 birds on the 2 views in combination. Fifteen birds did not have thoracic girdle fractures; radiographs were correctly classified in 12 of these 15 birds when the ventrodorsal view was evaluated alone, all 15 birds when the H view was evaluated alone, and 14 of these 15 birds when the 2 views were evaluated in combination. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that the H view or the addition of the H view to the VD view could be useful in raptors suspected to have fractures of the thoracic girdle. Agreement with the gold standard (ie, fracture present or absent) was higher with the H view and combination of views than with the ventrodorsal view alone.
Asunto(s)
Falconiformes/lesiones , Fracturas Óseas/veterinaria , Alas de Animales/diagnóstico por imagen , Animales , Fracturas Óseas/diagnóstico , Fracturas Óseas/diagnóstico por imagen , Radiografía , Alas de Animales/lesionesRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Most European birds of prey find themselves in a poor state of conservation, with electrocution as one of the most frequent causes of unnatural death. Since early detection of electrocution is difficult, treatment is usually implemented late, which reduces its effectiveness. By considering that electrocution reduces tissue temperature, it may be detectable by thermography, which would allow a more rapid identification. Three individuals from three endangered raptor species [Spanish imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti), Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus) and Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)] were studied thermographically from the time they were admitted to a rehabilitation centre to the time their clinical cases were resolved. CASES PRESENTATION: The three raptors presented lesions lacking thermal bilateral symmetry and were consistent with electrocution of feet, wings and eyes, visible by thermography before than clinically; lesions were well-defined and showed a lower temperature than the surrounding tissue. Some lesions evolved thermally and clinically until the appearance of normal tissue recovered, while others evolved and became necrotic. A histopathological analysis of a damaged finger amputated off a Lammergeier, and the necropsy and histopathology examination of an osprey, confirmed the electrocution diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that thermography is effective and useful for the objective and early detection and monitoring of electrocuted birds, and that it may prove especially useful for examining live animals that require no amputation or cannot be subjected to invasive histopathology.
Asunto(s)
Traumatismos por Electricidad/veterinaria , Rapaces/lesiones , Termografía/veterinaria , Animales , Águilas/lesiones , Traumatismos por Electricidad/diagnóstico , Especies en Peligro de Extinción , Falconiformes/lesiones , Femenino , Rayos Infrarrojos , Masculino , Termografía/métodosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Morbidity studies complement the understanding of hazards to raptors by identifying natural or anthropogenic factors. Descriptive epidemiological studies of wildlife have become an important source of information about hazards to wildlife populations. On the other hand, data referenced to the overall wild population could provide a more accurate assessment of the potential impact of the morbidity/mortality causes in populations of wild birds. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The present study described the morbidity causes of hospitalized wild raptors and their incidence in the wild populations, through a long term retrospective study conducted at a wildlife rehabilitation centre of Catalonia (1995-2007). Importantly, Seasonal Cumulative Incidences (SCI) were calculated considering estimations of the wild population in the region and trend analyses were applied among the different years. A total of 7021 birds were analysed: 7 species of Strigiformes (nâ=â3521) and 23 of Falconiformes (nâ=â3500). The main causes of morbidity were trauma (49.5%), mostly in the Falconiformes, and orphaned/young birds (32.2%) mainly in the Strigiformes. During wintering periods, the largest morbidity incidence was observed in Accipiter gentillis due to gunshot wounds and in Tyto alba due to vehicle trauma. Within the breeding season, Falco tinnunculus (orphaned/young category) and Bubo bubo (electrocution and metabolic disorders) represented the most affected species. Cases due to orphaned/young, infectious/parasitic diseases, electrocution and unknown trauma tended to increase among years. By contrast, cases by undetermined cause, vehicle trauma and captivity decreased throughout the study period. Interestingly, gunshot injuries remained constant during the study period. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Frequencies of morbidity causes calculated as the proportion of each cause referred to the total number of admitted cases, allowed a qualitative assessment of hazards for the studied populations. However, cumulative incidences based on estimated wild raptor population provided a more accurate approach to the potential ecological impact of the morbidity causes in the wild populations.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de las Aves/epidemiología , Hospitales Veterinarios , Rapaces/lesiones , Heridas y Lesiones/epidemiología , Factores de Edad , Animales , Animales Salvajes/lesiones , Enfermedades de las Aves/etiología , Falconiformes/lesiones , Femenino , Masculino , Densidad de Población , Dinámica Poblacional , Prevalencia , Estudios Retrospectivos , Factores de Riesgo , Estaciones del Año , España/epidemiología , Estrigiformes/crecimiento & desarrollo , Estrigiformes/lesiones , Heridas y Lesiones/complicaciones , Heridas y Lesiones/veterinariaRESUMEN
In 1989, the Nature Conservancy Council and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds commenced reintroduction of the red kite (Milvus milvus) according to International Union for Conservation of Nature criteria. Following 22 years of intensive effort, the red kite reintroduction programme has been a success with an estimated 1000 pairs now breeding in England. Post-release health surveillance is ongoing and has been achieved through radio-tracking, monitoring breeding at nest sites and pathological examinations of any red kites found dead. Tail-mounted radio transmitters were fitted from 1989 with harness-mounted radio transmitters being preferentially used since 2000. Since 2000, 180 individuals have been recovered for postmortem examination. Eighteen of these birds had previously had a harness-mounted radio transmitter fitted and four of these (22 per cent) had moderate to severe lesions associated with the presence of the harness and radio transmitter including chronic necrogranulomatous inflammation, deep muscular exposure and distorted muscular conformation. Failure to breed was also reported in two of these individuals over the preceding year(s), although it is not known whether the presence of the harness contributed to this failure. Duration of deployment may have been a significant factor in the formation of these lesions as those with lesions (n=4) had a statistically significant (P=0.009) longer duration of deployment compared to those without lesions (n=14). No lesions were reported in those red kites fitted with tail-transmitters.
Asunto(s)
Sistemas de Identificación Animal/instrumentación , Bienestar del Animal , Falconiformes/fisiología , Animales , Animales Salvajes , Conservación de los Recursos Naturales , Inglaterra , Falconiformes/lesiones , Vigilancia de la PoblaciónRESUMEN
Veterinary diclofenac has been responsible for the devastation of three species of Gyps vulture on the Indian subcontinent, and it is now regarded as one of the worst environmental contaminants in the recent past. While measures have been taken to control the manufacture of veterinary diclofenac in South Asia, the promotion of diclofenac on the African continent poses a risk to vultures in this region. In Southern Africa, the species of greatest conservation concern is the Cape Griffon Vulture (Gyps coprotheres), as only 2900 breeding pairs remain in the wild. The objective of this study was to test if this species is toxicologically sensitive to diclofenac. In a single dose-toxicity study, two adult Cape Griffon Vultures with severe injuries, that were considered to have a very poor prognostic outcome, were dosed intravenously with diclofenac at 0.8mg/kg. The changes in the clinical pathology were compared to the normal reference range established for 24 healthy Cape Griffon Vultures. Both birds died within 48h of dosing. The clinical signs, clinical pathology, gross pathology and histopathological finding were typical for diclofenac toxicity. It would appear that the sensitivity of the Cape Griffon is similar to that of their Asian counterparts and the African White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus). Diclofenac is almost certainly toxic to all Gyps vultures species and strong efforts must be taken to ensure that veterinary diclofenac products are not licensed or introduced to the African continent.
Asunto(s)
Antiinflamatorios no Esteroideos/toxicidad , Enfermedades de las Aves/tratamiento farmacológico , Diclofenaco/toxicidad , Especies en Peligro de Extinción , Falconiformes/lesiones , Heridas y Lesiones/tratamiento farmacológico , Heridas y Lesiones/veterinaria , África , Animales , Antiinflamatorios no Esteroideos/administración & dosificación , Antiinflamatorios no Esteroideos/farmacocinética , Antiinflamatorios no Esteroideos/uso terapéutico , Diclofenaco/administración & dosificación , Diclofenaco/farmacocinética , Diclofenaco/uso terapéutico , Falconiformes/sangre , Inyecciones Intravenosas , Distribución Tisular , Ácido Úrico/sangreRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: (1) To evaluate resistance to axial extraction of 3 pin designs in avian humerus and tibiotarsus; (2) to assess the effect of pin location within the bone on holding power; and (3) to assess the influence of thread pitch on holding power. STUDY DESIGN: Resistance of pins to axial extraction was measured immediately after insertion. ANIMALS: Adult common buzzards (Buteo buteo; n=9). METHODS: Different pin designs (1 smooth; 2 threaded pins, differing in pitch) were inserted into the proximal and distal metaphysis and the proximal, middle, and distal diaphysis of the humerus and tibiotarsus. Maximum force required for axial extraction of pins was recorded. RESULTS: Smooth pins had the lowest extraction force (P<.05). Pins inserted into the diaphysis (proximal, middle and distal) of the humerus and the distal metaphysis of the tibiotarsus had a greater pullout strength than pins in other locations. Pins with a smaller pitch inserted into the proximal diaphysis and distal metaphysis of the humerus, and the proximal metaphysis of the tibiotarsus had significantly greater holding power than pins with a larger pitch (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pins inserted into the diaphysis of humerus and the distal metaphysis of the tibiotarsus are better at resisting extraction. Pins with a smaller pitch possess greater holding power than pins with a larger pitch in avian humerus and tibiotarsus. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Consideration should be given to pin location and thread pitch, when choosing external skeletal fixation to repair an avian humeral or tibiotarsal fracture.
Asunto(s)
Clavos Ortopédicos/veterinaria , Fijadores Externos/veterinaria , Falconiformes/lesiones , Fijación de Fractura/veterinaria , Fracturas Óseas/veterinaria , Animales , Animales Salvajes , Fenómenos Biomecánicos , Diáfisis/cirugía , Falconiformes/cirugía , Fijación de Fractura/instrumentación , Fijación de Fractura/métodos , Fracturas Óseas/cirugía , Húmero/cirugíaRESUMEN
An 11-year-old male peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), known to have been a successful breeder in the wild with 31 offspring in 9 breeding seasons, was presented for evaluation of wing and leg injuries and for the purpose of rehabilitation. Four 13-day-old young were present in the nest at the time of injury. Aside from superficial trauma to the left leg and wing, a dorso-cranially luxated left coxofemoraljoint and a severely fragmented (7-8 fragments) left ulna were seen radiographically. The coxofemoral luxation was manually reduced and held in position by slinging the left leg, bandaged in flexion, to the body for 14 days. After removal of the sling and leg bandage, the falcon regained full use of the moderately contracted left leg within 2 days. The left wing was immobilized with a figure-of-8 bandage. The ulnar fragments were held in alignment by the intact left radius, which served as an internal biologic splint. To promote rapid healing with reestablishment of full biomechanical strength and normal function, the wing fracture was treated according to the concepts of biological fracture healing without surgical intervention. Complete healing of the ulna was achieved within 25 days. For strengthening of the wing and to assure prey capture capability, the falcon was reconditioned in a large flight chamber under the supervision of a licensed falconer. He was released into his home territory 4 months after his accident and continued his productive life for another 2 breeding seasons, in which 5 additional young were produced.
Asunto(s)
Falconiformes/lesiones , Fracturas Óseas/veterinaria , Alas de Animales/lesiones , Alas de Animales/cirugía , Animales , Animales Salvajes , Fracturas Óseas/cirugía , Masculino , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
Medical records from 111 threatened bald eagles (86%, Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and peregrine falcons (14%, Falco peregrinus) admitted to the Wildlife Center of Virginia from 1993 to 2003 were reviewed to identify submitters, causes of morbidity and mortality, and final disposition. Half of all patients admitted were submitted by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries personnel. Trauma was the most common reason for presentation in bald eagles (70%) and peregrine falcons (81%). Additional causes of morbidity and mortality in bald eagles included toxicoses (10%), infectious diseases (8%), and orphaned young (1%). Neoplasia was confirmed in two trauma cases, suggesting underlying disease might have increased susceptibility to acute traumatic injuries. Peregrine falcons were also admitted for infectious disease (19%). The most frequent infectious disease for both species was West Nile virus. Thirty-nine percent of patients were released back into the wild, 28% were euthanized, 20% died, and 13% were placed in captivity. Postrelease monitoring that would determine whether rehabilitated animals survived to contribute to threatened populations was not performed in this study.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades Transmisibles/veterinaria , Águilas , Falconiformes , Heridas y Lesiones/veterinaria , Accidentes de Tránsito , Animales , Animales Salvajes , Enfermedades Transmisibles/mortalidad , Águilas/lesiones , Falconiformes/lesiones , Virginia/epidemiología , Heridas y Lesiones/mortalidadRESUMEN
A wild-caught black-eared kite (Milvus migrans) was presented with a fracture of the right fibula and tibiotarsus that was repaired using combined crossed pins and a rigid cast technique. The fracture healed well; however, because the bird was not able to regain full use of its legs, radiographs were taken, which revealed a translucent structure involving the vertebral bodies of the notarium-synsacrum area. The condition of the bird deteriorated over the following days, and it was euthanized. Postmortem examination confirmed two bony intumescences involving the last vertebra of the notarium and the synsacrum. The vertebral canal, on a cut surface, was restricted, and the spinal cord was compressed.