Windows and Cats
Window strikes and cat attacks are two of the leading causes of fatal injuries to birds. Often times it seems that a bird will first strike a window, end up on the ground in a dazed condition, and then get mauled by a cat. That seems to be what happened to a Northern Saw-whet Owl and a Western Scrub Jay this past week.
The tiny owl was thought to have been mauled by a cat, but the examination revealed bruising on the left shoulder (possibly from a window strike) and metacarpal fractures in the right wing (caused by the cat).
A radiograph showed damage in the left shoulder and fractures in the right wing.
It took three days, but the owl is finally eating mice on his own. He is also getting antibiotics and pain medication. Time will tell if both the shoulder and wing will heal properly.
Western Scrub Jay
The Jay did not fair as well. It died shortly after admission Puncture wounds were found on the back of its head during a physical exam. They were caused by a cat. A necropsy revealed hemorrhage above the right eye. The bird had collided with something, most likely a window.
Thank You Dr. Yackley and Pendleton Veterinary Clinic
A Great Horned Owl was admitted in January with a damaged right eye. Dr. Katie Yackley examined the eye and prescribed medication to treat it. After nearly a month of treatment with no improvement, the decision was made to remove the eye.
Enucleation is the removal of an eye. Evisceration is the removal of the contents of the eye. The latter procedure maintains the shape of the owl’s head, which is important since the feathers in the owl’s facial disk funnel sound waves into their ears in the same manner as our ear lobes help us hear. Because owls have such acute hearing, they are able to locate and catch prey just by using their hearing! In order to give the owl the best chance to be able to hunt effectively, Dr. Yackley chose the latter procedure.
The surgery went well. The owl recovered from anesthesia quickly, and even ate dinner later that night!
Save the Date
Volunteer Meeting
Richland Public Library Saturday, March 19, 2-4 p.m. 955 Northgate Dr, Richland, WA
