by Simran Khanuja
Dogs and cats. Horses and cows. Birds and rabbits. Each year, UW Veterinary Care (UWVC) provides care for almost 30,000 patients who vary widely in shape, size, and species. But in addition to the two- and four-legged friends you might expect to find in someone’s home or on a farm, the hospital’s team of world-class clinicians also provides top-notch care to less common and exotic species. This story features a collection of profiles underscoring the incredible breadth of patients that visit UWVC in a year — from racing pigeons and lions to ostriches and kangaroos.
Nelson – lion
When Nelson, a young male lion belonging to an Oklahoma circus, fractured his left tibia while jumping from a platform in his enclosure, his journey for care stretched far beyond his home state. After undergoing orthopedic surgery in Oklahoma City, Nelson traveled to Wisconsin during his two-week recheck exam, where UWVC clinicians coordinated a multidisciplinary effort to assess his healing.
Lions must be heavily sedated for any examination. Accordingly, the UWVC team used a pole syringe to deliver anesthesia before safely moving him to the hospital’s large animal radiology suite. Once intubated, Nelson underwent radiographs and a full physical exam. The images showed a small area of delayed bone healing, but the clinicians chose not to place a cast, knowing he would likely chew it off. Instead, Nelson’s recovery plan emphasized containment, limited activity, and careful monitoring.
Kurt Sladky (’81 MS’88 DVM’93; Department of Surgical Sciences), clinical professor of zoological medicine and a leading clinician on this case, says the case was especially meaningful because of the unique challenges involved in treating animals traditionally considered dangerous.
“Unlike dogs and cats where an exam and bloodwork can typically be performed prior to sedation to help minimize risk, many zoo and wildlife patients must be sedated or anesthetized before any handling is possible,” says Sladky. “Careful planning, clear communication and the presence of experienced clinicians are essential to reduce the risk of injury to both the people and the animal involved.”
Vinny – kangaroo
A noticeable bulge on the jaw of Vinny, an adult female grey kangaroo, set off alarm bells for her owners. Concerned that the swelling, caused by a suspected tooth root abscess and mandibular osteomyelitis, commonly called “lumpy jaw,” could rapidly progress to sepsis, they brought her to UWVC for specialized evaluation. The owners, who care for several kangaroos and wallabies, wanted expert guidance to ensure the condition was managed safely and effectively.
Once Vinny was sedated, UWVC clinicians performed a CT scan to evaluate the extent of the abscess. They also collected material from the site for bacterial and fungal cultures to guide the most effective antibiotic treatment. The sedation, procedure, and recovery went smoothly, Sladky notes, and the UWVC team provided detailed instructions for ongoing management with the referring veterinarian.
Marsupials have unique characteristics and their own common diseases, Sladky says, making species-specific knowledge critical for diagnosis and treatment. He also says that kangaroos can defend themselves with powerful kicks and sharp claws, which requires careful handling.
“The part of this case that I found especially meaningful is the importance in understanding the natural history, behavior, and diet of a species,” he says. “This knowledge of different species is critical for focusing on diagnostic and therapeutic plans.”
Birdbeak – ostrich
A sudden collision sent feathers flying when Birdbeak, a female ostrich at Safari Lake Geneva, ran headfirst into a wooden fence while being chased by another bird, leaving a deep wound on her left upper thigh. UWVC has a long history of treating Safari Lake Geneva animals, and the facility’s staff quickly brought Birdbeak in as an emergency case. A multidisciplinary team from several of the hospital’s services worked together to treat her.
Female ostriches are relatively easy to manage, Sladky says, as the team was able to hand-inject her to induce anesthesia, carry her from the trailer, and intubate her in the large animal hospital. Once under anesthesia, the surgical team cleaned the deep wound and closed it with multiple layers of sutures. Birdbeak also received protective medications, including a tetanus vaccine and an anti-inflammatory injection. The surgical repair went smoothly, and Birdbeak safely recovered. Follow-up reports indicate she has resumed her normal, healthy life.
“This case highlighted the benefits of being at a multispecialty institution,” Sladky says. “Being able to pull together a team with multiple backgrounds and specialties allowed us to give Birdbeak the well-rounded care she needed.”
Sky Biscuit – racing pigeon
When Sky Biscuit, a racing pigeon, veered off course after a flight, he accidentally landed in a neighbor’s backyard. What seemed like a minor detour quickly turned life-threatening when a hawk swooped down and attacked him. The neighbor intervened, scaring off the predator and rushing the badly injured bird to UWVC.
Upon arrival, Sky Biscuit was in shock and severe pain. The team immediately stabilized him before cleaning a large wound under his wing. But bandaging presented a special challenge: pigeon skin is thin and delicate, and the team had to ensure the dressing supported healing without hindering movement.
“This was a good teaching moment for our students to show them that their fundamental knowledge and skills can take them far, even with a species they don’t have much experience with,” says Fred Torpy, a resident with UWVC’s special species service.
Even with his injuries, Sky Biscuit’s strength quickly became apparent.
“Despite being attacked and severely wounded, he perked up quickly, started eating, and got on with his life,” Torpy says. “His resilience is what stands out most to me about this case.” Today, Sky Biscuit has fully healed and transitioned into retirement. Kennymac Durante, an intern with the special species service who helped oversee the bird’s care, said that Sky Biscuit now lives with a close friend of his original owner, living his best life as a companion pigeon.
“It was moving to see the neighbor show so much compassion for Sky Biscuit,” says Torpy. “I always hope that these situations, where we focus on an animal in need, can lead to everyone involved growing in their compassion, even just slightly.”