On Friday, August 15th, 2025, I received a unique patient during my clinical rotation: a five-month-old peacock brought in with an open fracture. This was not the birds first visit; about a month earlier, it had already been treated for a fracture in the same wing, and a pin had been placed to stabilize the bone. Unfortunately, the peacock returned with a repeated injury, this time with another fracture of the humerus. At first, the owner was hesitant to agree to amputation and wanted to explore other possibilities. However, as the days went by, the wound showed clear signs of necrosis, and the risk of infection increased significantly. Finally, after five days of observation and discussion, on August 20th, the owner consented to the surgery. The decision was critical because delaying it any longer would have worsened the birds condition.
That same day, the surgical team proceeded with the amputation, and I was given the chance to be directly involved in the procedure. The operation lasted about one and a half hours, and it was an eye-opening experience to watch every step, from preparation, anesthesia, incision, removal of the affected wing, and closure of the wound. Once the surgery was completed, the recovery phase began, and the peacock had to adapt to life with only one wing. This was where my responsibilities became even more crucial.
Over the next 14 days of hospitalization, I was responsible for the daily treatment and follow-up care. Every morning, I helped the peacock exercise by walking around and spending time in the sunlight. Sunbathing was important not only for physical health but also for mental recovery, as it helped the bird remain active and comfortable. Each day, I changed the bandages to keep the surgical wound clean and monitored the healing process closely. Administering medications was another key task: some were given orally, others subcutaneously or intramuscularly, and in certain cases, I even had to provide medicine through its food by inserting the drug into worms, its natural diet. I also learned how to administer fluids and set up infusions specifically adapted for birds. These daily treatments gave me a deeper understanding of how avian medicine differs from mammalian medicine.
Through this case, I discovered important lessons about avian physiology. For example, I observed that the inflammatory reaction in birds is different from that in mammals. In birds, inflammation often appears greenish in color due to differences in bilirubin metabolism, which was a fascinating discovery for me as a young doctor. Beyond the technical aspects, I also learned valuable skills in communication. Keeping the owner informed about the birds progress, explaining medical decisions, and gaining their trust were all as important as the treatment itself.
After two weeks of intensive care, the surgical wound had healed well enough, and the peacock was finally discharged to return home. However, my connection with the case did not end there. The owner continued to reach out to me with questions about how to provide the best ongoing care for the bird at home. This reinforced for me that being a doctor is not just about treatment during hospitalization but also about ensuring long-term well-being through proper guidance and communication.
From this case, I learned who I am becoming as a doctor, what it means to provide holistic care, when decisive action is necessary, where patience and empathy matter most, why communication is as critical as medical skill, and how consistent, compassionate care can make a lasting impact on both the patient and the owner.
The case of treating a peacock with an open fracture that ultimately required amputation can be linked to several points of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals):
- SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
- Demonstrates efforts to maintain animal health through timely medical intervention (amputation to prevent further infection).
- Postoperative care, rehabilitation, and owner education support animal welfare, which indirectly contributes to public health through the One Health approach.
- SDG 4 Quality Education
- This process provided hands-on experience in clinical, surgical, and communication skills for veterinary students and young professionals.
- Learning about avian physiology, differences in inflammation, and postoperative management enriched veterinary education capacity.
- SDG 15 Life on Land
- Peacocks are significant species within biodiversity. The rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation efforts align with the goal of preserving terrestrial wildlife and their well-being.
- One Health Approach
- This case highlights that animal health cannot be separated from ecosystem and human well-being.
- Educating the owner on long-term care supports a healthy and sustainable human-animal relationship.
Author: Gabriella Prasdiya
