Surgical correction of a complete diaphyseal humeral fracture of Brahminy kite -a case report

Abstract

A young Brahminy kite (Haliastur indus) weighing 600g was presented to the Shahedul Alam Quadary Teaching Veterinary Hospital, at Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, with a history of trauma due to collision with electric wire, which was unable to fly. Physical examination revealed temperature 106ºF, depressed bird with bluish discoloration of subcutaneous tissue from shoulder to elbow joint of right wing and radiographic examination showed complete transverse diaphyseal right humeral fracture. Retrograde intramedullary pinning was done under general anesthesia with diazepam and ketamine combination. Post-operative radiograph confirmed the implant was in position. The total anesthetic period of the surgery was 60 minutes. The present study suggests that intramedullary pinning can be successfully used for humeral fracture management in kite with proper anesthetic protocol. Postoperative care is very important for a successful outcome in avian orthopedics.