Natural metacarpus Fracture Remodeling in a Bottle-reared Mountain Bongo Antelope Calf (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) with Presumed Failure of Passive Transfer

摘要

A captive, orphaned mountain bongo antelope calf (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) with a distal metacarpal fracture, and which was presumed to have failure of passive transfer, was successfully hand-reared with only supportive care, using a commerciallyavailable colostrum supplement, milk replacer, ceftio-fur, an absorbent paste, whole milk, and lactase. Orthopedic treatment was comprised of only modest confinement and cold-laser therapy during the first month of life. Periodic digital radiographs through 6 months of age revealed successful, natural mending of the leg fracture without intervention. This study presents a practical guide for handfeeding orphaned bongo calves in a field setting, and offers management considerations for neonatal leg fractures that would otherwise warrant euthanasia. The mountain bongo’s high conservation value justifies employing novel, non-invasive techniques to save orphaned juveniles that are unlikely to be applied to common taxa under similar conditions.