Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine · 1991 · 14 citations · 1 references
MedicineSurgeryVeterinary SurgeryAnesthesiaOrnithologyPulmonologyAirway AssessmentAirway SurgeryRespiratory DiseaseThoracic SurgeryTracheal SurgeryAnesthesia In BirdsGood HealthIncision HealingMucosal Barrier IntegrityThoracic Tracheal SurgeryTracheal HealingTracheal Injuries
The left wing of a whooping crane (Grus americana) was amputated for treatment of severe nonunion and malunion fractures of the radius and ulna. During the postoperative conva lescent period, the bird aspirated a corn kernel and subsequently suffered episodic bouts of dyspnea. The bird was anesthetized with tiletamine-zolazepam. Attempts to deliver the kernel through the glottis with endoscopie instruments were unsuccessful. The corn kernel was retrieved via a trache otomy incision. Endoscopy of the trachea 2 mo postoperatively showed complete healing of the trach?al incision. Mucosal integrity had been reestablished, and trach?al lumen diameter was not compromised. The bird continues in good health 2.5 yr after surgery, shows no signs of respiratory disease, and currently is in a captive breeding program.
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