New Zealand shore plover with wry neck (torticollis): Wry neck is a twisted and tilted neck, where the head is generally tilted to one side. Chronic wry neck can cause debilitating pain and difficulty performing tasks. This condition can be inherited, can form during fetal development being present at birth (congenital), or can be caused by damage to the neck muscles or blood supply. The majority of the time the cause of wry neck is unknown, being referred to as idiopathic torticollis. Wry neck sometimes goes away on its own, however there is a chance of relapse. This juvenile hatched with wry neck and has not improved over time, it therefore cannot be released. We have previously had one other juvenile develop wry neck post hatching, which recovered. The majority of captive breeding efforts are success stories (with healthy birds reared and released). However there are times when medical conditions are encountered that are unavoidable (in terms of animal husbandry) and/or untreatable. Fortunately some birds can be rehabilitated. It is valuable to share medical ailments encountered in captive breeding in the interests of education and transparency. The Trust has a close relationship with Wildbase, Massey University and various veterinary clinics - which provide invaluable assistance.
Posted on: Fri, 16 Jan 2015 00:41:15 +0000
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