Rfalconcam Forum

Other Nature Related Information => General Nature Discussion => Topic started by: Donna on 08-Oct-10, 08:16:14 PM



Title: Wildlife Center of VA: New patient
Post by: Donna on 08-Oct-10, 08:16:14 PM
A Wildlife Center First?

PATIENT:  Gadwall, #10-2088

LOCATION:  Highland County,Virginia

CAUSE OF ADMISSION:   Unable to walk

ADMISSION DATE:  October 5

PROGNOSIS:  Questions remain about use of legs

Gadwall Amanda October 2010

On October 5 a small duck was admitted to the Wildlife Center.  The duck had been picked up in Highland County [in the western mountainous section of the state] and was unable to walk.

At first, the Center’s veterinary staff thought they were dealing with a female Mallard.  On closer examination, however, the duck was identified as a Gadwall – believed to be the first Gadwall admitted for treatment in the Center’s 28-year history.

Center vets found a large wound on the Gadwall’s back — perhaps the result of an attack by a dog or by another duck.  The patient was unable to move its legs and had significant loss of sensation in its feet — perhaps the result of spinal trauma.  The Gadwall is being treated with anti-inflammatories, is a calm patient ["very unlike a Mallard", Dr. Dave has opined], and seems to have regained some additional feeling in its feet.

The bird is eating on its own but is receiving supplemental tube-feeding.  Radiographs have been tentatively scheduled for early during the week of October 10.

About the Gadwall … these dabbling ducks breed in the north-central United States and the “prairie provinces” of Canada.  Gadwalls winter along the East Coast and in the southern U.S.  and Mexico.


Poor little guy


Title: Re: Wildlife Center of VA: New patient
Post by: falconsforever129 on 08-Oct-10, 11:20:43 PM
I hope the poor little one makes a complete recovery. Such a shame  :(


Title: Re: Wildlife Center of VA: New patient
Post by: Bird Crazy on 09-Oct-10, 09:28:39 PM
 :( poor little guy hope he will be OK.