Fractured Scleral Ossicles in a Red Tail Hawk

Following head trauma, the left globe of a Red Tail Hawk showed demonstrable indentation on palpation. Recurrent anterior chamber collapse and reformation dependent on head position was the most significant clinical finding. A fracture of the scleral ossicles in the caudal portion of the scleral ring was identified in the rostrocaudal radiograph of the skull. Conservative management of the fracture resulted in phthisis bulbi. Fractured scleral ossicles have been shown radiographically in the enucleated globe but have not been previously demonstrated in the eye of the living bird.