Surgical Correction of Traumatic Ingluvies Fistula in a Pigeon (Columba livia domestica): A Case Report

A pigeon weighing 285 grams was presented with a history of recent traumatic injury caused by a ceiling fan. Physical examination revealed a wound in the crop region with leakage of feed material from the neck, suggestive of a crop fistula. Radiographic evaluation was performed to rule out any associated fractures, however no fracture was observed. Surgical intervention under general anaesthesia was carried out to repair the crop fistula. The crop wound was closed using absorbable sutures. The skin was closed with interrupted sutures using non-absorbable material. Postoperative care included oral administration of a broad-spectrum antibiotic, Cefpodoxime Proxetil (15 mg/kg body weight), and the anti-inflammatory drug, Meloxicam (0.3 mg/kg body weight) once daily for five consecutive days. Bird recovered uneventfully. Timely debridement of necrotic tissue of crop and proper suturing of crop fistula, are critical for proper recovery of crop fistula.