Emergency Surgical Management of Thoracic and Limb Injuries in a Hare (Lepus nigricollis)

A one-month old hare (Lepus nigricollis) was brought to the department in emergency with a complaint of dog bite two hours ago due to long chase with dog. Animal was unconscious due to numerous wounds on the thorax and limbs. On clinical examination, fast heart beats were measured from the thoracic perforation at 5th intercostal space and an open wound at the hock joint with abrasions was visible on right hind limb. The animal was handled with appropriate care and after stabilization of vital parameters, surgical management was undertaken under general anaesthesia. The animal showed marked improvement and recovered uneventfully on the 10th post-operative day.