We recently admitted a juvenile Tundra Swan with a fractured leg. The x-rays also revealed what appears to be a shot pellet. Tundra Swans are migratory with eight states allowing hunting. Wisconsin is not one of those states, nor is it bordered by any of the states that allow hunting of Tundra Swans.  The shot pellet is not the most pressing concern at this stage.

Fixing the badly fractured leg is.

Two days ago, Dr. Brian at Animal Health Care Center in Rhinelander, performed orthopedic surgery to pin and repair the leg.  It was longer and more complicated than anticipated requiring not only an internal pin, but an external fixator.

There will be weeks of after care and some post-surgical risks, but he’s getting the best care and has a wonderful attitude.

Radiology revealed a shot pellet (red arrow) in addition to the leg fracture.