(no subject)

[den]

These are not-to-scale scans of a "typical bat" from Australian Bats, by Sue Churchill. The second finger (our index finger) generally creates a leading edge. The 3rd finger and 4th finger (our middle and ring fingers) are damaged on the sheathtail.

The difference in the diagrams doesn't look like much, but trust me, it makes a big difference.

What I thought was wrong:



The very end tips (P3 on the diag.) of 3 and 4 and the associated membrane are missing, but the joint is still there.

What is wrong:



Membrane, P3 and the joint are gone completely on both fingers, and the ends of P2 are are exposed to the air. It's not shown on the diagram, but P2 on the sheathtail is 70% of the length of the 3rd finger, and 50% of the 4th finger. Losing these bones would reduce the wing size by about half. The vets might be able to save the wing.

Comments

[acelightning.livejournal.com]

[mactavish.livejournal.com]

Would the saved wing be a useful wing?

[ursulav.livejournal.com]

Ah, now I get it. If she was going to fly effectively, the vets would have to find a way to save the already damaged bones of the second joint, which is presumably way trickier than simply amputating the last dangling bit of the third joint, as previously suspected. I'm guessing it would require a lot longer care for the bone to heal up, too?

Geez, poor bat. I know their wings are a lot tougher than they look, but if they do get damaged, I'd guess the poor bat must be in trouble. It's not like another animal who can still walk around (albeit with a limp) if they get a damaged leg--flight seems to be kind've all or nothing.

Poor little sheathtail. Good luck!