Surgical treatment of fractured humerus in a golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos): a case report

Fractures are important orthopaedic problems of birds of prey or raptors which are mainly caused by trauma. An adult female golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) was referred to the surgery division of the faculty of veterinary medicine, Islamic Azad University of Tabriz in November 2019. Traumatic injury of the upper left wing area was detected in clinical and orthopaedic examination and comminuted fracture of the humeral diaphysis was observed in radiography. Considering the type and anatomic location of the fracture, surgical treatment was conducted by means of internal fixation and intramedullary pinning. Surgical exposure of the humeral diaphysis was achieved by dorsal approach and a suitably sized intramedullary pin was inserted in a retrograde fashion inside the medullary cavity. Bone healing was evaluated post-operatively using serial radiographs. Complete bone healing occurred after 71 days and the intramedullary pin was removed. The bird returned to its normal pre-injury state following treatment and no complications resulting from the fracture or its surgical treatment was observed. Successful treatment of fractures in birds of prey is possible by adherence to principles of orthopaedic surgery and considering the unique features of these animals leading to the protection of these valuable species of wildlife in our country.