A beached, juvenile California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) was found to have what appeared to be a large abscess on its left fore-flipper. Radiographs revealed a severely comminuted fracture of the mid-radius with probable osteomyelitis. There was also radiographic evidence of infection extending to the proximal carpals.

The animal was anesthetized and axial incisions on the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the flipper were made to débride the fracture area, drain the infected carpal area and remove several necrotic bone fragments.

An internal jugular vein catheter was placed for fluid replacement and as a route for antibiotic administration.

Serial radiographs, clinical and therapeutic developments during rehabilitation will be presented.