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Buccal feed impaction and surgical correction in captive reindeer
Bethany Holliday1, Aimie Doyle1, Michelle Oakley1
1Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 4P3 (Holliday, Doyle); Oakley Veterinary Services, Haines Junction, Yukon (Oakley); The Alaska Zoo, 4731 O'Malley Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99507, USA (Wilson).
Surgical repair effectively treated cheek laxity and buccal food impaction in a reindeer (Rangifer tarandus). This intervention led to an uneventful recovery and a good long-term prognosis for affected animals.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Wildlife Health
- Surgical Techniques
Background:
- Cheek laxity and buccal food impaction are uncommon conditions in captive reindeer (Rangifer tarandus).
- Herd-wide presentation suggests a potential environmental or management-related factor contributing to the condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the surgical treatment and outcomes for bilateral cheek laxity and buccal food impaction in a captive reindeer.
- To provide a viable surgical approach for similar cases in wildlife.
Main Methods:
- Field surgery under heavy sedation and local anesthesia.
- Staged surgical repair of the cheek defects.
- Management of buccal food impaction.
Main Results:
- Successful surgical correction of bilateral cheek laxity.
- No surgical complications were observed during the procedures.
- Uneventful recovery and good long-term prognosis for the affected reindeer.
Conclusions:
- Surgical intervention is an effective treatment for cheek laxity and buccal food impaction in reindeer.
- Field anesthesia and staged surgical repair are feasible and safe.
- This case report offers valuable insights for managing similar conditions in captive wildlife.
