Tibiotarsal fracture repair in a duckling using a spinal needle

Abstract

A 5-month old female duckling weighing 300 g was brought with a history of non-weight bearing lameness in the right foot. History suggested a possible stone pelting. Clinical examination revealed deformity, muscle damage and crepitation in the distal tibiotarsal region. X-ray revealed, distal third tibiotarsal transverse fracture. Under ketamine induction and isoflurane maintenance, normograde intramedullary pinning was done with a 20 G sterile spinal needle. There was no post-operative complication and normal weight bearing was regained in 2 weeks.