On December 13, a Bald Eagle was found down in a field in Chesapeake, Virginia, unable to fly. Dr. Peach, one of the Center's veterinary interns, was in the area and was able to transport the bird back to the Wildlife Center that same evening.
Dr. Ernesto examined the bird and found that the female eagle was bright and alert, but in thin body condition. A physical examination revealed a heart murmur and increased respiratory efforts; blood work confirmed a very high lead level, too high for the Center's machine to read. Samples were taken and sent to an outside laboratory for additional testing. Dr. Ernesto started the eagle on injectable and oral chelation therapy, which will continue for the next five days.
The eagle's prognosis is grave, given the high level of lead. Lead toxicity affects the nervous and cardiovascular system and can sometimes cause irreversible damage. For more information on lead, please read the Center's position paper on Lead Toxicity in Raptors.