TITLE: Chapter 4: Broken bones and dislocations
AUTHORS: Kerri Wolter

[DESCRIPTION]
<div class = "text-blocks"><div class = "text-block">This protocol describes how to treat broken bones and dislocations in vultures.</div></div>

[STEPS]
?. [Wing wraps]
When deciding which wrap to use, consider the location of the fracture. The function of wing wraps is to stabilize the joints on either side of the fracture. Therefore, if a fracture occurs in the upper part of the wing (humerus, shoulder, or pectoral girdle: scapula, clavicle and coracoid) the wing will need to be secured to the body to stabilize the shoulder joint. If the break is more distal, towards the tip of the wing, then a body wrap is not necessary.
?. [Upper wing fractures: body wrap]
Unravel and re-roll your bandage (we recommend VetWrap) prior to starting so you don’t have to place pressure on the wing when wrapping, making the wrap unnecessarily tight.
?. [Upper wing fractures: body wrap]
Start with the wing in an anatomically correct, folded position. Gently place the wrap under the wing, just below the bend in the wrist joint.
?. [Upper wing fractures: body wrap]
Fold the loose end over the wing just behind the carpus.
?. [Upper wing fractures: body wrap]
Pass over the loose end to secure it.
?. [Upper wing fractures: body wrap]
Pass the bandage over the vulture’s back, heading caudally (towards the tail end).
?. [Upper wing fractures: body wrap]
Bring the bandage under the flight feathers of the opposite wing and in front of the opposite leg.
?. [Upper wing fractures: body wrap]
Bring the bandage between the legs and behind the other leg as you bring the bandage back toward the injured wing.
It is important at this point to check that the bandage does not cover the vent and check the tightness of bandage around the body. It should be tight enough to remain in place on the body, but not so tight that it could restrict breathing.
?. [Upper wing fractures: body wrap]
Bring the bandage over the distal section of the wing.
?. [Upper wing fractures: body wrap]
Direct the bandage cranially (towards the head) as you bring the bandage over the vulture’s back.
?. [Upper wing fractures: body wrap]
Bring the bandage over the shoulder / clavicle but under the opposite wing.
?. [Upper wing fractures: body wrap]
Bring the bandage back to the front of the bird and over the sternum.
It is important here to try and not restrict the crop, or place the bandage too high on the neck as to rub on skin or restrict breathing and/or eating. Try to get the bandage to lay flat just under the crop.
?. [Upper wing fractures: body wrap]
Bring the bandage back over the injured wing, directed caudally (towards the tail end)
?. [Upper wing fractures: body wrap]
Secure and finish the bandage over the vulture’s back.
?. [Upper wing fractures: body wrap]
Secure/knot the loose end as best as possible.
?. [Upper wing fractures: body wrap]
The injured wing should now be immobilized. Check that the wing can’t be easily flapped up. Ensure the wing is in an anatomically natural position. If the wing is over-flexed the primary feathers will be pointing upwards. The bandage should not be too loose or too tight. The opposite wing should be free to flap and fully extend. Ensure the bandage is not lying over the crop or vent.
?. [Dislocations]
Dislocations are serious injuries with a poor chance of return to normal flight. The most common joint to be affected is the elbow and/or shoulder. On occasions, there may be a loss of circulation. It is important to check the temperature of the distal limb. You can suspect a loss of circulation when the tissue feels cold. Any such bird must be presented to a suitably experienced avian vet as soon as possible. The longer a joint remains dislocated, the less likely the bird is to fully recover. Immediate action is required. Dislocations often have a poorer prognosis than broken bones.
?. [Upper wing fractures: body wrap]
The most common fracture in flighted birds, including vultures, is to the humerus (upper arm/wing). Below is a step-by-step guide to applying a wing bandage for fractures in the upper wing and shoulder.