A Really Rough Week
Seven raptors were admitted this past week, an American Kestrel, a Merlin, 2 Red-tailed Hawks, a Barn Owl, a Great Horned Owl and a Bald Eagle. All but the eagle were too badly injured to save.
The eagle, the 13th of the year, was 30% underweight, dehydrated and anemic. A whole body radiograph showed no apparent injuries.
He was very depressed and had absolutely no interest in food. We started supportive care. On the third day, after large quantities of fluids and vitamins, he showed a slight improvement in attitude. That night he ate several small pieces of quail.
Improvement continued on day 4, above. He ate 3 small meals of cut up quail. By day 5, Sunday, he was starting to vocalize his displeasure with the accommodations in typical Bald Eagle fashion! We still don’t know what caused him to become so debilitated, but he seems to be well on the way to recovery.
