Heterotopic Ossification Secondary to Gunshot and Fragment Wounds in a Golden Eagle ( Aquila chrysaetos )

Abstract

Heterotopic ossification is the process of pathologic bone formation in soft tissue structures that usually do not form bone. An immature golden eagle ( Aquila chrysaetos ) was examined 2 months after a gunshot wound in the right wing. A solid oval mass with a gun pellet at its core was found attached to the ulna by a bony pedicle and was surgically excised. Heterotopic ossification secondary to gunshot and fragment wounds in the right ulna was diagnosed based on clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic findings. This report is the first to describe heterotopic ossification occurring around a gun pellet in a bird.

Keywords: Aquila chrysaetos; Heterotopic ossification; avian; golden eagle; gunshot.