Unilateral lentectomy in a black-shouldered kite.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary ophthalmology
• Avian medicine

Background:

• A black-shouldered kite (Elanus caeruleus) presented with a unilateral cataract and ventro-medial synechia in the right eye.
• The condition was a result of head trauma.

Observation:

• An extracapsular lentectomy was performed on the affected eye.
• Post-operative assessment at one week showed clear ocular contents and a normal iris appearance.
• The bird was released into a flight cage 3.5 weeks after surgery.

Findings:

• The bird experienced a ruptured right cornea due to trauma two weeks after release.
• Enucleation was recommended as the subsequent treatment.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for delayed complications following cataract surgery in birds, even after initial positive recovery.
• It underscores the importance of continued monitoring and the risks associated with trauma in avian patients with compromised ocular structures.