THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES TO PEROSIS (SLIPPED GASTROCNEMIUS TENDON) IN THE CAPTIVE AFRICAN PENGUIN (SPHENISCUS DEMERSUS)

African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) chicks in human care can develop perosis, also known as medial luxation of the gastrocnemius tendon. This case series presents four cases of perosis in African penguin chicks and their differing therapeutic approaches. Conservative management appears to have limited success compared to surgical approaches. However, surgical repair comes with risks of severe postoperative complications. Limiting excessive growth of penguin chicks, addressing perosis in a timely fashion, and aggressive pre- and postoperative antibiotic therapy appear to increase success of therapy.