# Successful Rehabilitation and Release of a Korean Water Deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) After a Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)

## TL;DR

A water deer with a hip injury was successfully treated with surgery, rehab, and released back into the wild with GPS tracking.

## Contribution

This case demonstrates the successful use of femoral head ostectomy and GPS monitoring for rehabilitating and releasing an injured water deer.

## Key findings

- The water deer regained normal mobility after femoral head ostectomy and rehabilitation.
- GPS tracking showed the deer adapted well to its natural habitat post-release.
- The deer's home range and core habitat were quantified using GPS data.

## Abstract

A young male water deer was rescued after a vehicle collision and diagnosed with hip luxation. To relieve pain and restore mobility, femoral head ostectomy surgery was performed. The water deer subsequently underwent a structured rehabilitation program and was later released into its natural habitat equipped with a GPS tracking collar. Movement data confirmed that the water deer successfully adapted to its environment and regained normal mobility. This case highlights that surgical treatment, combined with rehabilitation and GPS-based monitoring, can be an effective strategy for managing orthopedic injuries in wild animals and supporting their successful return to the wild.

A water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) was rescued following a vehicle collision and presented with suspected hip injury. Radiographic examination confirmed coxofemoral luxation, and a femoral head ostectomy (FHO) was performed to restore functional mobility. Postoperatively, the water deer underwent intensive rehabilitation, including controlled movement and physical therapy, to enhance limb function. Following successful recovery, the water deer was equipped with a GPS collar and released into its natural habitat. GPS tracking data were collected to evaluate the water deer’s post-release adaptation and movement patterns. The Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) method was used to determine the home range, showing an overall home range (MCP 95%) of 8.03 km2 and a core habitat (MCP 50%) of 6.967 km2. These results indicate a successful post-surgery outcome, with the water deer demonstrating mobility comparable to healthy individuals. This case demonstrates the clinical feasibility of an FHO in managing hip luxation in water deer and underscores the critical role of post-release monitoring in evaluating functional rehabilitation success in wildlife medicine. This study underscores the importance of integrating surgical intervention, structured rehabilitation, and post-release monitoring to ensure the successful reintroduction of injured wildlife. GPS tracking provides valuable insights into long-term adaptation and mobility, contributing to evidence-based conservation medicine.