Management of acquired ankyloblepharon in an electrocuted wild white‐winged dove ( <i>Zenaida asiatica</i> )

Abstract A wild white‐winged dove ( Zenaida asiatica ) presented to Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center, Costa Rica, with injuries typical of electrocution. The bird was hospitalised and subsequently developed complete ankyloblepharon (fusion of the upper and lower eyelids at the ciliary margin) in its right eye. Surgical correction was performed with a modified technique. The need for feather regrowth justified keeping the bird for a longer period, which allowed for monitoring of complications in the medium term. Recovery was uneventful, and the dove was released after 17 weeks in rehabilitation. The proposed modified technique is easy to perform and may shorten surgical time without compromising outcomes. This is the first report of surgical repair of ankyloblepharon in Columbidae (pigeons and doves), and the second report in wild birds.