Treatment of traumatic esophageal rupture in a great white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus): A case report

Abstract

In the present case study, an adult Great White Pelican was presented with an esophageal rupture in the neck region with ingestion of large fish; it was a complete esophageal tear exposing the throat, cervical vertebra, jugular vein, and trachea. The pelican’s throat was severely congested with blood clots. Esophageal rupture is very rarely seen in birds. The case was corrected surgically under local anesthesia without intubation. The bird recovered successfully within 15 days without any secondary complications. Avoiding excess handling and providing habitat similar to nature can be extremely useful for the treatment of esophageal rupture in birds.