Bald Eagle #17-0076

Admission Date: 
January 24, 2017
Location of Rescue: 
Portsmouth, VA
Cause of Admission / Condition: 
Physical trauma
Outcome: 
Euthanized on February 17, 2017
Patient Status: 
Patient Archive

On January 24, an adult Bald Eagle was found on the ground on Craney Island in Portsmouth, Virginia. The eagle, likely a female, was reportedly able to fly but only for short distances. During the eagle's initial medical exam, Dr. Peach -- one of the Wildlife Center's veterinary interns -- noted that the bird was bright, alert, reactive, and extremely feisty.

A complete physical exam revealed a low BCS (body condition score) of 2/5, and a scabbed wound on the left side of the eagle’s chest along with bruising in the area that appeared to be five to seven days old. A series of radiographs showed evidence of free air within the eagle’s body cavity, probably caused by a ruptured air sac, and abrasions were found on the ends of each wing. Fortunately, a blood sample that was taken and tested in-house on the same day produced results within normal limits. Trace amounts of lead were detected, but were found in such a small volume – 0.07 ppm – that treatment for lead toxicity was not required.


While the exact history of this bird is unknown, Dr. Ernesto suspects that the eagle’s injuries may be a result of electric shock. Many birds that have been electrocuted display injuries on the tips of their wings, as this is where an electric current leaves their body last. After several days of treatment, Dr. Ernesto observed the soft-tissue on the tips of the eagle’s wings degrading due to a lack of blood-flow to the area – another common sign of injury by electric shock.

The eagle will be held in a transitional outdoor enclosure while being given daily medication for pain and the prevention of possible wound infection until her injuries are stabilized. Veterinary and rehabilitation staff will continue to provide the eagle with daily care and close observation during the coming weeks.

Your special donation will help the Center to provide care to this Bald Eagle ... and to the 2,500 sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals the Center will treat this year. 

Updates

February 20, 2017

After being transferred to outdoor enclosure C6 on February 10, animal care staff observed on the following morning that the wounds on Bald Eagle #17-0076’s wing tips had reopened. While this larger enclosure offered the eagle more space to move around, the bird was transferred to a smaller, outdoor transitional area on the same day to reduce the possibility of further harm related to excessive movement.

Despite daily monitoring and care, the condition of the eagle’s injuries had continued to decline from the time it was admitted. On February 16, Dr. Ernesto observed the skin and soft tissue of the eagle’s left wing tip falling off, and determined the area to be completely necrotic. Due to the severe impact these injuries would have had on the eagle’s ability to fly, and no clinical signs of recovery, the veterinary team made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize the bird on February 17.

February 10, 2017

On February 10, Bald Eagle #17-0076 was transferred to outdoor enclosure C6. The skin and soft tissue injuries on the eagle’s wing tips have not shown much improvement during the few weeks of daily care it’s received, but Dr. Ernesto notes the injuries have not worsened. Otherwise, animal care staff report that the eagle is eating very well and seems to be alert and feisty.

The eagle will remain in its current enclosure for at least the next 15 days until the next scheduled round of radiographs, during which it will receive bi-weekly foot-and-feather checks as well as pain medication. With more room to move around, veterinary and rehabilitation staff will closely observe the eagle to determine if its injuries are related to potential nerve damage or other permanent conditions.

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