Radiographic Study of Fractures and Luxations in Raptors Admitted at Two Wildlife Centers, Located in Brazil and the USA.

Abstract

A radiographic analysis of fractures and/or luxations in raptors was conducted across two wildlife centers, one in Brazil (Center for Medicine and Research in Wild Animals [CEMPAS]; n=106 raptors) and the other in the USA (Lindsay Wildlife Experience [LWE]; n=310 raptors), through a data study spanning 7 yr. There were differences between the two centers in which order was most affected. At CEMPAS, Strigiformes accounted for 48.1% of the cases, but at LWE Accipitriformes were most affected (59.4% of cases). The axial skeleton was least affected at both centers, with two cases at CEMPAS and three cases at LWE. Most fractures included a single bone in the appendicular skeleton, accounting for 57.7% at CEMPAS and 61.9% at LWE. In the thoracic limb, the humerus was the most fractured bone at CEMPAS (44/108), whereas the ulna was most commonly fractured at LWE (116/307). In the pelvic limb, the tibiotarsus was the most fractured bone at both centers (23/35 at CEMPAS and 27/80 at LWE). Closed fractures were more frequent in the thoracic and pelvic limbs at both centers. Cases of luxation or subluxation without fractures were less common, with 6.7% at CEMPAS and 7.2% at LWE. The types of fractures and/or luxations identified in this study exhibited several similarities between centers that may be useful in understanding these lesions in raptors and establishing future treatment protocols.