QUICK LINKS Today's News News releases ISU homepage NEWS RELEASE Lancelot and Elaine Dr. Vicki Wilke (left), a surgery resident, and animal ecology major Leslie Reed take Lancelot through a therapy session. 08-07-02 Contacts: Teddi Barron, News Service, (515) 294-4778 ISU SWAN RECUPERATING FROM SURGERY ON BROKEN LEG AMES, Iowa -- Lancelot, one of Iowa State University's trademark swans, is recuperating at the College of Veterinary Medicine's Wildlife Care Clinic, following surgery to repair a broken leg. The swan was injured while chasing a lawn mower on campus on July 25. The mower wheel rolled over the swan's toes, causing its leg to turn. On July 29, surgery was performed by a team of veterinary medicine faculty and students who implanted a pin and bone screw to repair the swan's leg. The surgery went well and follow-up X-rays indicate that the implant is stable and the leg is free of infection. Lancelot is receiving physical therapy (swimming in a whirlpool tub), but has been reluctant to stand or walk on the leg. Because the fracture involves a joint, the Iowa State veterinarians want the swan to use his leg more than he has in order to promote complete healing. Lancelot is receiving pain medications. He is eating well and has a wonderful disposition, according to his caretakers. Iowa State's Lake LaVerne has been home to a pair of swans since the first Lancelot and Elaine were introduced in 1935. They are mute swans, an introduced Eurasian species. The Wildlife Care Clinic is a non-profit organization that provides medical and surgical care for orphaned and injured wildlife. It is part of Iowa State's Veterinary Teaching Hospital. -30- Ames, Iowa 50011, (515) 294-4111 Published by: University Relations, online@iastate.edu Copyright © 1995-2002, Iowa State University of Science and Technology. All rights reserved.