Multiple fractures and luxations of palatofacial bones in a hawk-headed parrot (Deroptyus accipitrinus)

Abstract

CASE DESCRIPTION A 16-year-old female hawk-headed parrot (Deroptyus accipitrinus) was evaluated because of beak trauma and difficulty eating. CLINICAL FINDINGS Physical examination revealed a lateral tissue protrusion in the left half of the oropharyngeal cavity ventral to the proximal aspect of the maxillary tomium as well as a small bony prominence on the left jugal arch. Range of motion of the beak appeared normal. A CT scan of the skull revealed rostroventral displacement of the left palatine bone from the maxilla and left lateral subluxation and lateral luxation of the pterygoid-parasphenoid-palatine complex and pterygoid-palatine articulation, respectively; and transverse fractures of the ipsilateral pterygoid bone, jugal arch, and palatine bone. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Palatine bone displacement was reduced, and surgical fixation was achieved with an interfragmentary wire inserted through the rostral aspect of the affected palatine bone, maxilla, and rhinotheca. The lateral aspect of the wire was covered with dental acrylic. The wire was removed 2 weeks later owing to concerns over local vascular compromise and potential for infection. The bird started eating pelleted food approximately 3 months after surgery; full return of apparently normal beak function was regained by 10 months after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE To the authors’ knowledge, the described beak trauma and surgical approach have not previously been reported for Psittaciformes. Use of CT imaging was invaluable in diagnosing multiple traumatic bone abnormalities and planning surgical correction.

The diagnosis of scapulohumeral luxation and avulsion fracture with 3-dimensional computed tomography in a yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis)

“…As such, CT has recently been demonstrated to diagnose coxofemoral luxations in mute swan and luxations of palatofacial bones in a parrot (Gumpenberger and Scope, 2012;Beaufrere et al, 2019). In recently, new reconstruction software programs allow images to be converted to virtual 3-dimensional forms and providing a detailed examination of structures in avian medicine (Whitehead and Parker, 2015;Beaufrere et al, 2019). This study demonstrates the advantage of CT for evaluating the pectoral girdle and importance early diagnosis of shoulder injury.…”

“…Computed tomography is being more commonly incorporated into the diagnostic plan for case studies in avian medicine. As such, CT has recently been demonstrated to diagnose coxofemoral luxations in mute swan and luxations of palatofacial bones in a parrot (Gumpenberger and Scope, 2012;Beaufrere et al, 2019). In recently, new reconstruction software programs allow images to be converted to virtual 3-dimensional forms and providing a detailed examination of structures in avian medicine (Whitehead and Parker, 2015;Beaufrere et al, 2019).…”

“…In a previous study, H view was used for the assessment of raptors suspected to have fractures of the thoracic girdle (Visser et al, 2015). Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have been used in some avian cases (Gumpenberger and Scope 2012;Fraga Manteiga et al, 2013;Whitehead and Parker, 2015;Beaufrere et al, 2019) and may be useful in specific luxations (e.g. coracoid subluxation, coxofemoral, spinal, palatofacial bones, shoulder joint).…”

Morphological and biomechanical predictions of cranial kinesis in reptile evolution

“…The movement of the quadrate at the otic joint is translated to the pterygoids which are tubular and elongate rostrocaudally. The pterygoids in turn branch between the quadrate and palatobasal-pterygopalatine joints where the pterygoid abuts the palatine bone, the opposite pterygoid (in some parrots) and the interorbital septum ventrally at the surface of the parasphenoid rostrum (palatobasal joint) (Burton 1974;McKibben and Harrison 1987;Baumel et al 1993;Homberger 2003;Beaufrère et al 2019). The palatines are mobilized rostrally during this activity and they in turn mobilize the beak through their contact at the palatomaxillary joint.…”