Crushing (with special reference to Waterfowl and Hedgehogs)

• Physical force.

• Handling/Equipment
• Non-specific physical trauma
• Restriction of normal movement

In Waterfowl:

• May vary from minor bruising to severe haemorrhage, fractures and rupture of internal organs (V.w5).

In Hedgehogs:

• Crushing injuries are commonly seen affecting a single foot, with multiple fractures of bones (crushed) and associated infection, sometimes including frank pus. (B151, B284.6.w6)
• Road traffic accident victims which have survived initially may have soft tissue injuries such as rupture and herniation of the abdominal muscles (Abdominal Rupture in Hedgehogs), diaphragm rupture and/or rectal prolapse (Rectal Prolapse in Hedgehogs). (B156.7.w7, B284.6.w6)
• Further details of fractures which may be associated with road traffic accidents or other causes are provided in Fractures of Hedgehogs.
• Hedgehogs are often fatally crushed by vehicles on roads. (B259.w9, D102)

In Waterfowl:

• Crushing injuries may occur when an individual becomes caught between solid objects or between a solid object and the ground.
• Care must be taken particularly to avoid crushing injuries caused by opening or closing gates and doors, and during capture.

(V.w5)

In Hedgehogs:

Treatment:

• For crushed feet, antibiotics should be chosen on the basis of culture from exudate. (B151)
  • The severity of the injury may require amputation (after which the individual must be maintained in sheltered accommodation). (B151, B284.6.w6)
• Abdominal hernias respond well to surgical repair. (B156.7.w7) See: Abdominal Rupture in Hedgehogs

• Physical Examination of Birds - General
• Physical Examination of Mammals
• Necropsy of Birds - General
• Necropsy of Mammals
• Treatment and Care - General
• Bandaging & Splinting in Birds
• Bill Repair in Waterfowl
• Cage Rest (Fracture Treatment) for Birds
• External Skeletal Fixation in Birds
• Internal Skeletal Fixation in Birds
• Wing Amputation - Adult Birds
• Partial Wing Amputation - Adult Birds
• Hedgehog Wound Management
• Hedgehog Fracture Management
• General Anaesthesia (Gaseous and Injectable) Techniques of Hedgehogs

• Waterfowl

• Mute swans Cygnus olor, having been variously caught between boats, caught between lock-gates and sat on by a cow [!] (B9.6.w1).
• In Erinaceus europaeus in the UK. (B151)

• Cygnus olor - Mute swan
• Erinaceus europaeus - West European Hedgehog

• Mute swans Cygnus olor, having been variously caught between boats, caught between lock-gates and sat on by a cow [!] (B9.6.w1).
• In Erinaceus europaeus in the UK. (B151)

• Cygnus olor - Mute swan
• Erinaceus europaeus - West European Hedgehog

[N.B. Miscellaneous / Traumatic Diseases tend to be under-reported and the majority are likely to affect all  species, given exposure to the related disease agents/factors.]