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Cranes 381

protocol of members of the Grus genus. When handling is necessary, care must be taken to protect
the legs. A towel can be used to hold and gently restrain young cranes. If the patient is a youngster,
one hand should always be securely under the feet (Figure 23.2 and 23.3). Joints and legs are very
delicate in cranes. Inappropriate handling can cause permanent damage to the integrity of the legs,
pelvis, or joints.
If the chick is thin and has not been eating, give emaciation diet via a gavage tube into the crop
following initial subcutaneous (SQ) fluids. A stainless steel feeding tube or French catheter tube of
appropriate size may be used. Use minimal amounts at first (2–5 ml) to make sure the digestive
system is moving before offering solid food. Once the young patient is stable, a full exam and addi-
tional medical intervention can be carried out.

Common Medical Problems

Cranes are subject to several viral diseases, fungal diseases, and a host of bacterial and parasitic
conditions (Olsen et al. 1997; Candelora et al. 2010; Bertram et al. 2015). Cranes in the wild have,
and tolerate, many parasites. It is not necessary to evaluate every patient unless secondary prob-
lems are apparent. If the patient presents with or develops diarrhea, has poor weight gain, or is
lethargic, a workup should be done to identify the problem. Good sanitation, pen rotation, fresh
food, and clean water are the best means with which to prevent disease.

Figure 23.2 It is important to support
the legs of a young colt gently under it to
prevent leg injury.