Instructions for a splint in the event of a broken wing of a bat

Applying a splint to an open bat's forearm fracture.

The open fracture site is covered with a special ointment bandage that does not stick to the wound. A plastic straw in the length of the bat's forearm is cut open lengthwise and the sharp straw corners are rounded off with a pair of scissors.

The fingers remain free of the ointment bandage

Then the whole wing is loosely enclosed with the straw.

The width of the straw is adjusted to the wing with adhesive tape without pressure.

To ensure that the straw doesn't slip, a small drop of sour skin glue (Mastix) is applied to the forearm before or after and pressed for 10 minutes until it sticks. The glue is skin-friendly. Caution!: Do not drip onto the flight skin or fingers! The splint is only held in place by this drop on the forearm and the bat cannot reach it and tear it off.

Air can still reach the wing at the front of the thumb and the wing membranes do not rot, which is usually the case with tight bandages. The bones can slightly shift against each other, but the fracture usually heals satisfactorily. The bandage can be easily cut open after 1 week to check the wound and then reapplied. Of course, the animal receives daily painkillers and an antibiotic, usually Ampitab.

Of course, there are several options for fracture treatment. Which is best must be decided on a case-by-case basis. This method is the least prone to error for veterinarians who are inexperienced in handling bats.

Under no circumstances should the wing be fixed in a stretched manner as in bird treatment!!!

For medical treatment information about bats please contact Bat World Sanctuary.