On April 18, a nestling Great Horned Owlet was brought to the Wildlife Center of Virginia with a possible wing injury and was admitted as patient #16-0307. A private citizen brought the Great Horned Owlet to a veterinary hospital in Charlottesville, where the owlet stayed the weekend before it was brought to the Center for further evaluation Monday morning.
Great Horned Owlet #16-307 was bright and responsive during the initial examination. Dr. Helen examined the owlet’s right injured wing, but noted no signs of a wing droop. However, Dr. Helen found a small knot on the patagium (skin along the wing) of the right wing, near to the owlet’s shoulder.
Radiographs revealed bilateral, chronic fractures on both wings towards the wrists. The fractures were stable and likely the results of falling from the nest. Based on how the fractures appear to have healed and the relatively good body condition of the owlet, it is possible that the patient was receiving care from its parents while on the ground. Members of the Center’s veterinary staff are keeping an eye on the patagial knot, and applying massage and laser therapies to the area daily. Follow-up radiographs will be taken in eight days.
The location of the owlet’s fractures is of slight concern to our veterinarians due to their proximity to the young bird’s growth plates. This could potentially cause issues with bone growth in the future, but only time will tell.
Once cleared by our veterinarians, Great Horned Owlet #16-0307 will reside with Papa G’Ho and Great Horned Owlet #16-0097. The owlet is currently housed in a closed crate inside of Papa’s C-Pen enclosure when not receiving treatment, in order for the owls to become acclimated to one another and prevent improper imprinting on humans.
Your donation will help provide this young owlet with special care. Thanks for your support!
Great Horned Owl #16-0307 successfully passed mouse school at the end of October. Pre-release blood work and a final exam were all within normal limits and the bird was cleared for release.
On October 25, the owl was returned to Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary for release.