Morbidity and mortality in tawny frogmouths (Podargus strigoides) presented for veterinary care

Authors: Campbell Y, Pan XL, Doneley RJT
Publication: Australian Veterinary Practitioner, Volume 51, Issue 2, pp 84-95, Jun 2021
Publisher: Australian Veterinary Association

Animal type: Avian, Wildlife
Subject Terms: Clinical examination, Husbandry/husbandry procedures, Treatment/therapy
Article class: Clinical Article

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Abstract:

The tawny frogmouth (Podargus strigoides) is commonly presented to veterinary clinics by members of the public for assessment and treatment. However, little information exists on the treatment and outcomes of commonly occurring injuries. In the present study, records of these birds admitted to the University of Queensland Veterinary Teaching Hospital (UQVTH) between 2012-2020 were reviewed for the reasons for presentation, their diagnosis and the case outcome.

The most common reason for presentation was motor vehicle impact, with wing fractures the most common diagnosis. More than half of the admissions (57%) resulted in euthanasia.

These findings provide a guide for the prognosis of the most common injuries and the most likely outcomes for these birds at the UQVTH. Using this information, a flowchart was created to provide a simple and user-friendly way for veterinary clinics to triage injured tawny frogmouths.

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