A technique for cosmetic pinioning of adult birds
Fletcher, K.C.; Miller, B.W.
Veterinary Medicine-Small Animal Clinician 75(12): 1898-1904
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4889 PMID: 6906907 Document Number: 158787
Regional anaesthesia is produced by a dose of 12 mg/5 lb body weight of 2% lidocaine injected into the deep ulnar vein, which is occluded by a tourniquet and pad placed under the proximal third of the wing. Haemorrhage is controlled with a suture passed through the skin and round the fourth metacarpal bone and the ventral metacarpal artery. A second suture, placed just proximal to the first, passes closely round the third and fourth metacarpals. A flap incision is made in the skin, and the metacarpal bones are amputated with bone forceps just distal to the sutures. Birds pinioned in this way have included pelicans, vultures, cranes and swans.