A case of syndactylism or webfoot in a buzzard (Buteo buteo)

Syndactylism or syndactyly is the partial or complete fusion or nondivision of one or more functional digits. There is no documented evidence of syndactyly in birds of prey. This article describes a case of syndactylism noted in an emaciated juvenile male buzzard (Buteo buteo) brought to the Department and Clinic of Animal Surgery at the Agricultural University in Lublin (Poland). Upon examination, abnormalities in both pelvic limbs were observed: the inter-digital webs of toes 3 and 4 were fused, as were the dorsal sheaths of the talons. The authors discuss the surgical separation of the fused toes and talons and the bird's recovery. The article also considers the possibilities of hereditary and teratogenic influences in the development of syndactyly in birds of prey, and examines whether the condition is life threatening consequent to the inability to hunt and ingest food in a normal manner.