Successful Treatment of Acute Craniodorsal Coxofemoral Luxation in a Scarlet Ibis () Using Closed Reduction and a Modified Ehmer Sling.

Abstract

Whereas craniodorsal displacement of the coxofemoral joint is the most common luxation reported in small and large mammals, it occurs less often in avian species. Closed reduction and external coaptation with a modified Ehmer sling is the initial treatment, in most cases, for small animals (eg, dogs, cats) that present with a coxofemoral luxation. However, the Ehmer sling is reported to have a low success rate in treating coxofemoral luxations in these animals. Intractable coxofemoral luxations require an open surgical reduction. A few successful closed reductions of coxofemoral luxations have been reported in avian patients, as well as open reduction surgical techniques to repair avian coxofemoral luxations. The successful treatment of an acute craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation in a scarlet ibis () with a closed reduction and a modified Ehmer sling is described in this clinical report. The specific characteristics of both the patient and the injury are thought to have contributed to the success in this case.