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Amputations: The loss of a leg
may render some mammals unreleasable, although in nature, some three-legged
animals survive. Some animals can live perfectly normal lives without
a tail, while others cannot. Consult with your veterinarian and
talk to a wildlife biologist to determine whether the species in
question can live with its handicap. Needless to say, a bird that
has lost a wing cannot return to the wild. A permanently compromised
animal may be a candidate for an education or captive breeding program.
When making a decision about surgical amputation, be sure that you
know both the physical requirements for that species and pertinent
regulations. For example, to promote the welfare of wild birds,
the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service prohibits maintaining them if
they have suffered any of many kinds of amputations.
Bone Injuries: there are two types of
fractures. A simple fracture is one in which the injury is
internal: the bone is broken, but there is no break in the skin
and there is no considerable displacement of the ends of the broken
bone. A compound fracture is one in which there is an open
wound in the soft tissues/skin. A compound fracture is more serious
than a simple fracture, often involving extensive damage to the
skin, requiring surgery and pinning of the bone. Because of the
structure of a bird and the demands of flight, avian compound fractures
are often not repairable.
Broken/cracked Bill: If the tip of the
bill has broken off, it often regrows. However, the bird must be
kept in captivity to ensure it recovers and can forage normally.
Until then, the bird requires a diet that it can manage until regrowth
occurs. If the top of the bill (upper mandible, or maxilla) is broken
entirely off, the bird is not releasable; it may survive in captivity
with good supportive care and diet. If the lower mandible is broken
off, prognosis is extremely poor and even survival in captivity
with complete support is questionable.
Broken Feathers: if a blood feather
is broken, it must be treated immediately. Mature feathers that
have been broken or damaged as a result of injury must be shed in
molt or by pulling, allowing a new feather to grow. Do not attempt
to pull a damaged feather without expert supervision, since plucking
is extremely painful to birds, and because a damaged follicle may
result, preventing normal regrowth. In some cases, feather imping
is employed to hasten the bird's release. Do not release a bird
with a broken or damaged primary feather.
Broken Talon/nail: once bleeding is
stemmed, in most cases the talon or nail will regrow normally. In
the event the nail or talon is lost, depending on the animal, it
may not cause impaired locomotion or foraging.
Broken Teeth: teeth of some mammals grow
continuously and are worn down by gnawing (e.g. rabbits, rodents),
and in those cases, a broken or chipped tooth will probably 'grow
out'. A bleeding, cracked or broken tooth should be evaluated and
treated by a veterinarian.
Broken Shell: if the carapace of a tortoise
or turtle is cracked or broken, it must be repaired so that infection
does not occur and so that the animal's organs are protected.
Bruises: a bruise is a traumatic injury
that results in broken blood vessels, and blood thus leaking into
interstitial areas of a tissue.
Burns: burns are classified by the extent
of the burned surface, depth of the burn and cause.
- First Degree: reddening of the skin, without blistering;
usually does not leave a scar. The burn is painful and requires
treatment with a topical ointment to keep the injured area from
drying and cracking as it heals.
- Second Degree: a burn that causes blisters. There
are two categories: superficial (involving only the superficial
dermis; blistering or sloughing of overlying skin, with red, painful
wound) and deep (involving more of the epidermis; blisters or
a wound with white or deep red base). A superficial second-degree
burn may heal without surgery. A deep second-degree burn usually
results in some scarring and requires debriding and possibly grafting.
Management should be left to a veterinarian who can evaluate the
seriousness of the burn and treat appropriately to prevent infection
and scarring.
- Third Degree: involves the entire thickness of
skin layers, permanently destroying tissue. The wound can be white,
black or mottled and dry. Prognosis for recovery and release is
questionable and must be evaluated by a veterinarian.
- Fourth Degree: muscle, bone and tendons are exposed,
and amputation of extremities may be involved. Complications include
sepsis, hypertrophic scarring and suffering; prognosis is extremely
poor.
Eye Injuries: minor scratches may heal
quickly when an appropriate antibiotic ophthalmic ointment is used.
More serious scratches and injuries require veterinary care.
Fur Loss: Cause must be determined; many
causes are treatable. If fur is lost due to a burn, frostbite, scrape,
etc., time and observation is the only way of determining whether
or not the animal is releasable. If follicles are damaged and the
loss is permanent, the skin will be exposed to cold, insects, sun,
etc. In cool climates, a bald patch may compromise the animal's
survival.
Head Trauma: Prognosis may depend upon
how soon after the injury the animal was rescued and the seriousness
of the trauma; a radiograph should be done to determine whether
or not the skull has been fractured. Treatment involves reducing
edema (swelling); the animal should be kept in a dim, warm, quiet
environment and receive supportive care and feeding as necessary.
Internal Injuries: internal bruising
or minor injuries may resolve with supportive care. However, serious
injuries require evaluation and treatment by a veterinarian.
Muscle and tendon injuries: sprain
describes damage to soft tissue, and may involve cartilage, ligaments,
tendons, joint capsule and blood vessels, causing pain, swelling
and loss of function. Luxation describes dislocation of the bones
at a joint. Sub-luxation describes partial dislocation in which
there still contact between joint surfaces, but without proper joining,
causing swelling, loss of motion or function and temporary paralysis.
Spinal Injuries: an injury to the lower
spine renders the animal unable to use its legs. If the injury involves
only bruising or swelling, full recovery is likely. A fracture of
the lower spine results in paralysis or partial paralysis of the
hind legs and tail and may involve the organs of elimination, resulting
in impaction. Higher vertebral fractures tend to involve paralysis
of legs and arms (or wings).
Wounds: damaging injury to tissue.
Some wounds are superficial and require minor attention, while more
serious wounds require treatment or surgery performed by a veterinarian.
Always check the wounds of wild animals for fly eggs and/or maggots,
especially in warm weather. If the wound has been caused by cat
attack, the animal must be given appropriate antibiotics immediately.
A closed wound describes damage to internal tissues with no skin
breakage, and usually results from collisions, falls or rough handling
(by human or other animal). An open wound involves broken skin or
mucous membranes and requires antibiotic treatment, cleaning and
possibly suturing. Bleeding must be stemmed immediately, and if
blood loss is significant, fluids must be administered.
- Abrasions: scrapes, usually resulting from collisions.
Occasionally, skin will pucker or be drawn tight, causing a temporary
restriction of use of the affected area.
- Incisions: clean cuts, usually resulting from
sharp object. Deep incisions require evaluation and treatment
by a veterinarian, and probably treatment with antibiotics to
prevent infection.
- Lacerations: tearing wounds with jagged edges,
often caused by an animal attack. Serious lacerations may require
veterinary management, suturing and antibiotic treatment.
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