AJTCVM

American Journal of
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

0

Acupuncture Treatment for Right Leg Dysfunction Secondary to a Tibiotarsal Fracture in Pionus maximiliani: A Case Report

Vitoria Guttierrez; Ana Silvia Miranda Passerino; Manoel Lucas Javorouski; Marcelo Bonat

Abstract

An 8-year-old, male, Pionus maximiliani (scaly-headed parrot) was diagnosed with fracture and subsequent inflammation of the right lateral tibiotarsal joint. Following the fracture diagnosis, a treatment protocol consisting of anti-inflammatory and analgesic therapy, along with splint immobilization was initiated. After 30 days, the splint was removed and the bird was observed to be non-weight-bearing with persistent absence of normal limb movement. Considering the clinical signs and lack of improvement following conventional therapy, the decision was made to refer the parrot to the Curitiba Municipal Zoo to pursue traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) treatment approach. The TCVM exam identified a pattern of traumatic Bi Zheng (painful obstruction syndrome), based on Qi and Blood Stagnation along the Gallbladder and Urinary Bladder Channels due to fracture of the lateral tibial condyle. Acupoints used included ST-36, LI-4, BL-40, BL-60, and Ba-feng (avian Jiao-pan) administered at a frequency of 2 to 3 times per week. This was followed by massage, applied to the entire circumference (medial, lateral) of the affected tibia using a medium-firmness toothbrush in a caudocranial direction for twenty repetitions. After twenty-one sessions (3 months), the parrot achieved normal mobility and follow-up imaging revealed marked improvement, with significant inflammation reduction and evidence of bone healing. This report highlights the potential benefits of acupuncture for the management of tibiotarsal fractures in parrots.

Keywords
Citation
Guttierrez V, Passerino A, Javorouski M, Bonat M. Acupuncture treatment for right leg dysfunction secondary to a tibiotarsal fracture in Pionus maximiliani: A case report. Am J Trad Chin Vet Med 2026; 21(2):33-36. https://doi.org/10.59565/ZFOW4241

Acupuncture Treatment for Right Leg Dysfunction Secondary to a Tibiotarsal Fracture in Pionus maximiliani: A Case Report

Vitoria Guttierrez; Ana Silvia Miranda Passerino; Manoel Lucas Javorouski; Marcelo Bonat

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