There were six new admissions this past week. We are hopeful two will be releasable, including Barn Owl 25-028 who was found tangled in fishing line. Fortunately, the finder was able to remove the fishing line. The owl has a small brood patch, indicating she had started laying eggs. We found no fractures when taking x-rays. Her left wing droops and there is a “fuzzy” look around her right scapula.

Her initial packed cell volume (the percentage of red blood cells in her blood) was 45.5. Three days later after being rehydrated, her PCV had dropped to 31.0, a more accurate measurement indicating a slight anemia. We assume birds are dehydrated when they first arrive due to the stress caused by their condition or injuries. We calculate their daily fluid requirement and fluid deficit based on their normal weight and provide that amount of fluids during daily treatments. 

The owl also has a measurable level of lead in her blood. At 4.1 micrograms/deciliter it is not high enough to require chelation, but it is the first time we have found lead in  a barn owl. 

Western Screech Owl 25-029 has a fractured right ulna. The fracture has been immobilized with a figure-eight wrap. Below is the x-ray and a photo of Tricia and intern Clare administering oral fluids.

Sharp-shinned Hawk 25-030 was admitted with a shattered ulna. Humane euthanasia was all we could provide for the small hawk.

Red-tailed Hawk 25-031 exhibited symptoms of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and was euthanized on admission. A tissue sample will be sent to the Oregon State Veterinary Diagnostic Lab to confirm the diagnosis. In February Red-tailed Hawk 25-023 tested positive for HPAI. Both birds were found in the Hermiston area. 

Long-eared Owl 25-032 had old fractures in the left major and minor metacarpals. The bones and soft tissue were exposed and dried. Euthanasia was again the only option.

American Robin 25-032 was admitted with multiple fractures, including the left scapula, the left femur, and the right radius, as well as a dislocated left elbow. There was simply too much damage to repair.

The release of Great Horned Owl 24-430 was the high point of the week. The owl was found in the median of Interstate 84 on the Umatilla Indian Reservation on December 22, 2024. The only indication of trauma was a hemorrhagic left eye and an unwillingness to fly when approached. Intern Clare released the owl on the reservation well away from the freeway. He seemed very happy to be back in his home territory!