Treatment of a fractured toe in an Australian Harrier (Circus approximans gouldi)

Authors: Wheeldon RH, Gempton DH
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 31, Issue 6, pp 103-104, Jun 1983
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Avian, Wildlife
Subject Terms: Skeletal/bone/cartilage, Fractures, Disease/defect, Hoof/claw, Limb - lower, Locomotor, Surgery
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: A female Australasian Harrier (circus approximans gouldi Boneparte, 1850) estimated to be approximately six months old was captured and found to have a compound fracture of the shaft of the second phalanx of the third digit (middle toe) of the left foot. There was minimal discharge from the wound, which appeared to be several days old, although the toe was swollen to half-again the width of the corresponding toe of the opposite foot. The wound was cleaned and, after dusting with antibiotic powder (“Neosporin”, Wellcome), the toe was covered with a gauze swab, padded with cotton wool and enclosed within a 3 cm length of the barrel of a 3 cc plastic hypodermic syringe (B-D) that had been split longitudinally so that it could be titted over the toe. The splint so formed was held in place with adhesive tape (see Figure). Every 4-5 days for four weeks the splint was removed, the dressing changed and the splint replaced. In this time the bird was kept tethered to a falconer`s block, and offered food as usual. No hinderance to normal feeding was observed. She bathed regularly (stepping into a water bath and standing on both feet) and jumped on and off the block quite frequently, without apparent discomfort, and the splint withstood these actions without any difficulties…

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