Treatment of a forelimb fracture and rehabilitation of a free-ranging Iberian Wolf (Canis lupus signatus)

Abstract: The surgical treatment of an exposed compounded comminuted fracture of the right radius and ulna in a free-ranging adult female Iberian Wolf (Canis lupus signatus) with an osteosynthesis plate and screws and subsequent post-operative care are described. The evolution of the fracture healin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira
Main Authors: Filipe C. Silva, Roberto F. Sargo, Luís C. Sousa, Helena Rio-Maior, Ricardo Brandão, Nuno Santos, Francisco Álvares, Isabel R. Dias
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Portuguese
Published: Colégio Brasileiro de Patologia Animal (CBPA) 2016
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-736X2016000500010
https://doaj.org/article/11f5040eda0347e08e89ce058b9a4ccd
Description
Summary:Abstract: The surgical treatment of an exposed compounded comminuted fracture of the right radius and ulna in a free-ranging adult female Iberian Wolf (Canis lupus signatus) with an osteosynthesis plate and screws and subsequent post-operative care are described. The evolution of the fracture healing was very similar to those expected in a dog of the same size. The prompt surgical intervention and a proper housing, feeding and wound management adapted to a free-ranging wolf, in view to reduce manipulation and post-operative complications, allowed the subsequent rehabilitation and release of the animal. After 10th post-operative weeks the wolf was fitted with a Global Positioning System (GPS) for wildlife tracking collar and released in the same area where it has been caught. GPS telemetry data showed that the animal covered increasingly large distances confirming a complete functionality of the right thoracic limb and its successfully return to the wild. This report could constitute the first detailed report of a long bone fracture treatment in a free-ranging wolf and its successfully rehabilitation, release and adaptation to the wild.