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Another version of today's update:
Report: Removing the fixation from the peregrine S2
Gemert, Saturday, October 1, 2011
Exactly eight weeks after the veterinarians Caroline Hommers and Dirk Riemersma performed surgery on the fractures in the peregrine S2's wing, she was treated again today by veterinarians. The double break in the forearm seems to be healing well, the pins were removed and the falcon may begin to use her wing gradually.
The treatment was begun by taking some X-rays. From these, it was clearly visible to the two veterinarians that the bones had grown together well, and it was decided to remove the fixation.
S2 was first anesthetized and the remains of the dressing and its connection were removed with forceps, to the extent that the falcon had not already done so herself in recent weeks. It became clear that the swelling which was present 8 weeks ago around the area of the fracture in the wing has now almost completely disappeared. Therefore space had been created on both sides between the wing and the resin with which the pins were fixed. That made it easier for Dirk to insert the forceps below the resin; the pins were cut and the fixation was removed.
Subsequently, the remains of the pins in the wing on one side were disinfected with iodine. This was done to prevent the possibility of an infection which might be caused if they were pulled through the wing. Then the pins on the other side were pulled out with forceps. Some pins were tight, a good sign that it has been properly fixed. Finally, the wounds were smeared with ointment, some X-rays were taken and within a half hour S2 was back in the transport crate before she had even completely come around from the anesthesia and realized what had happened.
According to Dirk and Caroline, the X-rays showed that the pieces of bone have fused back together correctly. In particular, the ulna, from different viewing directions, is in a beautiful line. The small "triangle" is a little higher, but will over time revert further to its original shape. The two halves of the radius have also fused back together. From one viewing direction, this is quite well in line, but when seen from another viewing direction something seems to "skip" a little.
What this now means is that we will just have to wait and see. First, the falcon needs to get used to the fact the that fixation has been removed and that for the first time she can hold her wings in a normal position. It is very important that they align, that the wing is fully symmetrical with the other wing, and that she carries the shoulders and wing tips at exactly the same height. Also, she will need a few weeks for the holes in the bone to close before she will be able to put any stress on her wing. When that time comes, she can move to a larger aviary and begin to work on her conditioning to build muscle strength and endurance and show whether she can fly again. If everything goes well, then more training will follow to bring her back to complete fitness.
In short, there are still steps to be taken. And although all of these may have a chance of a negative outcome, we remain optimistic at this time. There is a slightly greater chance that S2 can return to the wild.
Later this weekend, a video will be posted of the removal of the fixation, and photographs will be added to the album.
VWG Gemert
Hoping for a complete recovery for this courageous, beautiful peregrine. The update sounds encouraging.
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