A surgical approach to the avian patient

Avian surgeries, as well as owner expectations, are constantly evolving. It is essential that the unique anatomical and physiological differences between avian and mammalian patients are fully understood by attending clinicians. All patients should undergo a full clinical examination and be stabilised wherever possible, before surgery. All essential equipment should be ready at hand. It is important to optimise patient and surgeon positioning, as well as to use appropriately sized suture material and maintain haemostasis, magnification and lighting to improve surgical technique, regardless of the procedure or organ system being operated on.