Bandaging, endoscopy, and surgery in the emergency avian patient

Application of 3D-printed prosthetic lower beak in an Oriental stork (Ciconia boyciana)

To our knowledge, ours is the first case of applying a 3D-printed prosthetic beak to an Oriental stork (Ciconia boyciana). A stork in captivity underwent several surgeries for beak fractures, but the lower-mandible fractures failed to be repaired. Therefore, we applied a patient-specific beak prosthesis of titanium alloy and nylon. Because the prosthetic beak could not be maintained due to mandible and soft-tissue inflammation, the stork was euthanized. Still, we confirmed typical behavior and feeding for ~3 months after surgery. This report highlights some of the challenges we encountered and identifies process improvements required for a more successful surgery.

Emergencies and Critical Care of Commonly Kept Fowl

Fowl are birds belonging to one of the 2 biological orders, the game fowl or land fowl (Galliformes) and the waterfowl (Anseriformes). Studies of anatomic and molecular similarities suggest these two groups are close evolutionary relatives. Multiple fowl species have a long history of domestication. Fowl are considered food-producing animals in most countries and clinicians should follow legislation regarding reportable diseases and antibiotic use, even if they are pets. This article reviews aspects of emergency care for most commonly kept fowl, including triage, patient assessment, diagnostic procedures, supportive care, short-term hospitalization, and common emergency presentations.

Emergency care and managing toxicoses in the exotic animal patient

The poisoned exotic veterinary patient remains a significant challenge to the clinician. A patient presenting with the history of exposure to a toxin or poison should be considered to have a potentially life-threatening problem. This article details the ABCs of emergency medicine including fluid therapy and discusses the principles of neurologic management. The last part of the article provides the clinician with guidelines for decontamination and critical care management of some of the more common toxicoses in exotic animals.