Surgical Repair of a Torn Ligamentum Propatagialis ina Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

摘要

The ligamentum propatagialis is critical to flight. Injuries of this tendon are difficult to repair, especially in wild birds where a full recovery and a return to the wild is the desired outcome. A great homed owl (Bubo virginianus) presented with abarbed wire-induced soft tissue injury to the propatagium and ligamentum propatagialis Subsequent avascular necrosis resulted in the complete transection of the ligament. The ligament was repaired surgically. A strict regimen of physical therapy was carried out under inhalant anesthesia for several weeks, resulting in full extension and return to normal flight. This bird was banded and released back to the wild. This case study shows that repair and full recovery of propatagial wounds are possible and should be attempted whenever feasible.