On October 21, an adult Eastern Screech-Owl was seen falling to the side of the road after it was struck by a semi-truck. A driver stopped and transported the injured owl to the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center where it was given fluids, anti-inflamitories, and supportive care. On October 24, the owl was transferred to the Wildlife Center of Virginia for further care.
During the initial examination, Eastern Screech-Owl #14-2281 was bright, feisty, and in good body condition. An ocular exam was performed and results were unremarkable. The veterinary team noted a left wing droop and a small, superficial laceration on the bird’s cere [base of the upper beak]. Blood was drawn for analysis and results revealed a low packed cell volume, which indicates anemia—likely due to the laceration on the bird’s beak. When the left wing was palpated, severe swelling was observed near the owl’s elbow joint. Radiographs were taken and revealed an ulnar fracture. Since the location of the fracture was close to the elbow joint, surgery was not an option.
The veterinary staff bandaged the owl’s wing, administered an iron injection for the bird’s anemia, and placed the bird in the Center’s holding room overnight. The following morning, Eastern Screech Owl #14-2281 was bright, alert, and standing in its carrier.
During the next two weeks, the veterinary team regularly checked and changed the owl’s bandaged wing, while also performing daily physical therapy. On November 12, radiographs indicated the fracture site was healing well and was stable. The veterinary staff removed the owl’s bandage and Eastern Screech-Owl #14-2281 was moved outside to the Center’s B pens [B7]. Repeat radiographs are scheduled in one week, and if a stable callus is noted at the fracture site, the owl will begin flight conditioning.