Surgical treatment of bumblefoot in a captive golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

Abstract

The golden eagle is one of the world's largest living birds. Footpad dermatitis, also known as plantar pododermatitis or bumblefoot, is a condition characterized by lesions due to contact with unhealthy "perching" conditions, such as plastic perches, sharp-cornered perches on the ventral footpad of birds. A young female golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) in Fars province of Iran was presented to veterinary clinics of Shiraz University with clinical signs of lameness. The bird was examined clinically and a variety of complementary diagnostic procedures such as blood analysis, X-ray and bacteriological culture were performed. Then a surgical method was pick out for removing of scab, pus and necrotic tissues from abscess on the plantar aspect of bird's feet and healing the skin of area. After surgery, specific bandage, systemic antibiotics and vitamins were used. Corynebacterium, a gram negative bacterium, was isolated in the pus from the abscess. After the surgical operation, swelling in the digital pad reduced, the skin of pad healed and the signs of lameness vanished. To prevent developing bumblefoot, good bedding for proper "perching" conditions is necessary. Additionally, vitamin therapy to promote a healthy integument is advised.

Keywords: Bumblefoot; Corynebacterium; Footpad; Golden eagle.

Fig. 1

Massive swelling and abscesses in digital pads of both legs in a 2 years old female golden eagle.

Fig. 2

Lateral radiograph shows radiopaque areas in digital pads of both legs, especially in left, that demonstrates pododermatitis

Fig. 3

Surgical intervention for wound debridement and drainage

Fig. 4

. A vicious cycle worsening infection and swelling in bumblefoot