Evaluation of short-term outcomes of experimental stifle luxation in feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica) treated with a hinged transarticular external skeletal fixator and physical therapy

Abstract

To evaluate the use of the FESSA hinged linear transarticular external fixator (HLTEF) and the effect of early physical therapy after experimental stifle luxation in pigeons, eight feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica) underwent surgery and afterwards one group started physical therapy on day 1 post surgery, while the other after HLTEF removal on day 21. Healing was evaluated with clinical, radiographic, patho