Avian
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History
10 week old Eurasian Eagle Owl with an injury of the left wing noted today.
Findings
Multiple projections of the body and wings are available for review. There is overall decrease density of the bone throughout the body. There are folding fractures present of the proximal left ulna and radius, of the proximal left humerus, and of the proximal right tibiotarsus. There is also a markedly heterogeneous appearance of the distal aspect of the left ulna consistent with a chronic fracture. There is soft tissue swelling surrounding the left radius / ulna and right tibial fracture sites.
Diagnosis
Diffuse osteopenia with multiple folding fractures suspected to be pathologic, of the left radius, ulna, and humerus and of the right tibiotarsus. Given the signalment, nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism should be a top consideration. Other causes of diffuse osteopenia such as hereditary conditions or metabolic imbalances should be considered.
Discussion
Dietary calcium:phosphorous imbalance can cause poor skeletal mineralization and pathologic folding fractures. The mechanism is most often secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Transition to a whole prey diet with calcium supplementation was recommended. The wing was bandaged as the poor bone quality was not suitable for internal fixation.