Can be caused by cat attacks, collision with objects, etc.
Cat encounter injuries may also include internal damage and are often accompanied by piercing wounds and pinholes in the membrane.
Cat injuries are also associated with septicaemia and related
issues.
Treatment Options
For major bone fractures euthanasia should be considered. Bats have evolved to fly. Very careful consideration of quality of life should be given to bats deprived of this basic but critical function (see Legislation-Animal Welfare Act).
Intramedullary pins or internal fixators (with antibiotic cover) for forearm bones in larger species.
For minor wing-tip and distal phalange injuries – tidy up with removal of non-viable tissue – through careful dissection under general anaesthesia.
Pain management.
Considerations
Is it a simple or compound fracture? The prognosis for compound fractures being much poorer.
Will it regain full mobility?
Substantial fracture repairs carry poor prognosis for release.
Surgical procedures (pinning) require a certain amount of veterinary experience and skill to be successful and are only appropriate for the longer forearm bone.
Other than minor amputations of the tips of bones in the wing, no amputee would be fit for release. Amputation can also cause problems with grooming, mobility and roosting and may cause stress through phantom appendages and is not therefore recommended.
Simple fractures may heal if restricted but care is needed because of the delicate wing membrane. Bats are inclined to remove anything attached to the membrane causing complications.
Juvenile bats heal more quickly than adult bats.
Finger bones have more chance of healing sufficiently for release. Bats have been observed in the wild with naturally healed finger bones.