Wound Management Considerations for a Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) following an American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) Attack

Abstract

A four month old intact female Canada goose (Branta canadensis) presented to the Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine following an attack by an American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). The attack had occurred two hours prior to presentation. On physical exam, the bird was bright, alert, responsive, and had clear heart and lung sounds. All systems besides the integument were within normal limits upon initial presentation. The bird (3.0 kg) was in good body condition (2.5/5).

The bite wounds were extensive. Pericloacal tissues (e.g., skin, muscle, connective tissue) were macerated. The authors’ were concerned that the cloaca might have diminished function or be non–functional since the pericloacal tissue was severed almost 360 degrees, with the cloaca connected to the body wall by minimal tissue attachments. Because of the extent of the injury, it was difficult to characterize which tissues remained. The pygostyle, or the fused caudal coccygeal vertebrae, was exposed, with extensive loss of surrounding soft tissues (Girling 2003) (Figure 1).

Because of the extensive nature of the injury, the authors were unsure if the skin could be closed over the wound. A small puncture wound was noted in the right side of the abdominal air sac. The uropygial gland had been removed during the attack. The uropygial gland is an important structure in waterfowl, and is used to keep the beak, feathers, and scales supple, insulated, and waterproof. The uropygial gland also prevents the growth of microorganisms and is the principle cutaneous gland of birds. The gland secretes a holocrine lipid (Girling 2003). The loss of the uropygial gland in waterfowl can be catastrophic, as the animal would not be able to float or swim when released.