Toe Ulcer and Necrosis of the Distal Phalanx in a Péré David's Deer

Ruminants kept in a zoological garden under conditions simulating the wild are difficult orthopaedic patients. Examination and treatment is only possible under general anaesthesia and the necessary changes of bandages until the wound is healed poses a problem. Repeated general anaesthesia carries a high risk in ruminants, quite apart from the costs. In many cases it is not even possible to separate the patients from the herd during convalescence. Even if it seems possible to shut the patient in a stable, the wild animal may suddenly go beserk, breaking its neck in the attempt to break free ...