Bald Eagle #12-2631
Admission Date:
December 9, 2012
Location of Rescue:
Surry County, VA
Cause of Admission / Condition:
Neurologic symptoms
Prognosis:
Poor
Patient Status:
Current Patient
On December 8, a mature Bald Eagle was found on the ground at the edge of a cow pasture in Surry County, Virginia. A man rescued the eagle and took it to the Peninsula Emergency Vet Clinic where it was then cared for by a permitted wildlife rehabilitator for a night. On the morning of December 9, a volunteer transporter drove the Bald Eagle to the Wildlife Center.
Dr. Dana Tedesco, the Center’s veterinary intern, examined the eagle when it arrived at the Center. The eagle, likely a male, was not able to stand or hold up its head. The eagle was also exhibiting neurologic symptoms – twitching and bobbing its head. Dr. Dana and several veterinary students performed a quick physical exam, which included drawing blood for lead analysis. At this time of year, lead toxicity is high on the list of potential problems for eagles exhibiting neurologic symptoms. Dr. Dana found that the eagle’s lead levels were “low”, indicating that this was likely not the cause of admission.
Dr. Dana placed an intraosseous catheter [into the bone] to deliver several types of medications to the debilitated eagle. The eagle’s heart rate was slow, so Dr. Dana provided a dose of atropine through the catheter. She also provided supportive care consisting of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, fluids, and oxygen therapy.
The Center staff are not sure what is causing the severe neurologic symptoms in the Bald Eagle, though without high lead levels, the veterinary team suspect organophosphate [OP] toxicity. Organophosphate poisoning most commonly is caused by exposure to pesticides or insecticides. On December 10, additional blood was drawn so that an OP test could be sent to an outside laboratory. Other causes of admission include head trauma, West Nile Virus, or a different type of toxicity.
The team will continue to monitor the eagle closely – the status of the eagle’s neurologic symptoms over the next several days will likely determine if this eagle will be able to recover.
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OMG I had to keep skipping through it and see how it ended, I couldn't stand watching him, my toes hurt.
