Novel Technique for Scapulohumeral Amputations in Avian Species: A Case Series.

@enThis case series describes a novel technique for scapulohumeral amputations in three avian patients. A 28-year-old year old Umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba) presented with an open fracture of the left wing secondary to osteolysis caused by a humeral air sac adenocarcinoma. A 7-year-old Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) presented with a chronic malunion fracture of the left humerus secondary to self-trauma which occurred after left metacarpal and radio-ulnar amputations. Finally, a 31-year-old Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) with humeral head lysis and humeral air sac adenocarcinoma. Due to the extensive humeral disease, total wing amputations was indicated in each case. A novel surgical and local anesthetic approach was developed to perform scapulohumeral disarticulations with limited disruption of the clavicular air sac, limited vascular damage, nerve injury, and presumed decreased post-operative pain. Lidocaine and bupivacaine brachial plexus nerve blocks were used intraoperatively, and all birds recovered uneventfully from surgery. None of the cases exhibited post-operative pain as evidenced by immediate return to function, immediate recovery of normal behavioral repertoires, absence of pain on palpation of the surgical site and pectoral musculature. Extensive follow-up for all cases revealed no disease recurrence or surgical complications. This case series provides a detailed description of novel approach to scapulohumeral disarticulations that improves avian surgical welfare.

Univ Penn
Zodiac Pet & Exot Hosp
USDA
Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien