Bald eagle rescued after being stuck upside-down in tree for hours

[Donna]

http://q13fox.com/2016/02/17/bald-eagles-upside-down-experience-in-bothell-turns-out-all-right-in-the-end/

But the eagle may not be out of the woods yet, West said.

Sarvey Wildlife Center treated the bird with fluids, pain medications and cleaned the injured leg, but as of Thursday afternoon, the bird could not move its leg. Sarvey clinic manager Jessica Paolello said the eagle was suffering from necrosis after having her foot trapped for so long without blood flow, and said the prognosis is not good, but not hopeless.

“You never know, circulation could come back,� she said.

If the eagle’s injuries are too severe to heal properly, West said they may have to euthanize her.

“It’s in pretty bad shape in terms of what it’s been through, a very stressful situation,� West said. “At this point, its up to how much damage did the bird do trying to free itself.�

Some injured raptors can be rehabilitated and released, or kept as rescue animals in zoos, depending on how severe their injuries are, West said.

“Our goal is always to try to rehabilitate and release this bird,� she said.

For example, if a raptor breaks its wing and cannot entirely heal, the center will try to place it in a zoo. But in this case, if the eagle’s leg tendons and ligaments are too grievously injured, that may not be an option.

“It has to have a certain quality of life, and having both of its feet is really important,� West said.

It is also a mature eagle which has lived most of its life in the wild, West said. She said the eagle doesn’t know what is happening to it, and has been fearful while they’re treating it. Most injured raptors which live at zoos were rescued when they were young, giving them a chance to acclimate to captivity, she said.

Sarvey Wildlife Center is testing the animal to see the extent of its injuries, and should have more information soon, West said.

“We’re touch and go at this point,� said West.

UPDATE:

Here a couple of images of the eagle that was rescued after being stuck in the tree in Bothell. Today we are continuing to stabilize the bird and the foot is suffering from pressure or compression necrosis.
The trauma of having been trapped and hanging for about 36 hours in the tree, cut of the blood flow to the foot. We are treating with medications to increase blood flow, antiboitics, pain medication, and fluids.
The eagle is not moving the toes on her foot and so for now it is a wait and see. It is criticial that the eagle has use of both feet, so we hope that this will improve.
We are working closely with our vet Dr. Lahner and monitoring closely any signs of improvement. We estimate she is about 3 years old and the next couple of days are critical...

[patsy6]

Oh my, how awful!  I hope they can save the leg and the bird. 

[MAK]

 

[Donna]

Eagle update - not much has changed, but she is trying to stand up today. Psychologically that is good - hopefully she will continue to fight. She cannot move the hallux on the foot. We are continuing fluids and medications.
So many people are pulling for her, if that counts for anything then she has LOTS of love and support on her side! Thank you all for sharing her story, and caring about her healing.
Some have asked us to share donation links. Our website has a Donate page, and you can use PayPal or use our secure credit card processor. If you prefer to mail a check our address is PO Box 3590 Arlington WA 98223. All donations are tax deductible. Thank you!

We are busy responding to email inquiries about the eagle that was rescued from the tree. Many of you have also made FB comments with similar questions or concerns about the outcome of this case. In an effort to address these questions - here is some more detailed information from an email we sent out.
Thank you for your interest in this eagle and its story. Please know that it is way too early to determine what the outcome of this situation will be – we are always hopeful for a return to the wild for all of our patients. However, when that is not possible, there are many other factors that we must consider. There are strict permit conditions and regulations regarding all migratory birds, eagles even more so, and these permits allow us to operate our center. They have very clear requirements about release or transfer criteria as well.
When it comes to transferring any animals to sanctuaries or educational settings (zoos etc.), there are very specific requirements that must be articulated in the transfer paperwork. Temperament of the animal and its behavior are always considered. Some animals are too “wild� to ever adapt to a life in captivity. Then, there are a myriad of physical considerations that must be made – will the animal be suffering in chronic pain? Can it stand, perch, or eat? Is it completely blind? These are just some of the things we look at and discuss with our veterinarian before we look into placing an animal in an educational setting. USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) are required to approve any transfers of migratory birds.
Sadly, if this eagle does lose use of the foot – it may not end well. But, again, it is too soon to tell what will be the best thing for the bird. We always coordinate decisions about any euthanasia of eagles or endangered species with USFWS, the state (WDFW), and our vet. Please be assured we are doing everything possible to reverse the damage done from it being trapped in the tree. We do not take the decision to euthanize any animal lightly, as it is a final decision. If this eagle cannot be released, we will clearly weigh all its potential options with USFWS and our staff. Those options will be decided based on the final prognosis of the healing that is now underway. Again, we have days, weeks, or even months to go in our efforts to help this eagle. Some cases turn around quickly and other patients can be here a long, long time before they are ready to release or transfer elsewhere for placement.
We will continue to update on our FaceBook page and it looks like many media outlets are following the case as well. Thank you for caring about the eagle. It is heartwarming that so many people are pulling for her recovery.

[Tapper Gal]

Thank you so much for keeping us apprised of this dear eagle.I so hope there is improvement and am keeping my fingers crossed.It is heartwarming that we have these thoughtful organizations to help with healing,I admire their efforts and kindness shown to raptors. 

[MAK]

The fighting spirit of wildlife never ceases to amaze me!

[Donna]

Eagle Update - If you have been following the progress on the eagle stuck in the tree in Bothell - there is good news and bad news. The swelling in the foot has reduced, and she can move her toes! The hallux is fractured and she has a ball wrap on the foot to help her heal and stand better. But, the hip is dislocated and it keeps popping in and out of place. She will be getting physical therapy but, she will be with us for quite a while - it will take weeks before we can determine if the hip will stay in place. Thank you to everyone who has been donating to her care, and wishing for her speedy recovery.

[MAK]

They'll have to rename her Big foot!  

[Carol P.]

At least she is being given a fighting chance. 

[Donna]

Eagle update - the eagle rescued from the tree in Bothell is continuing to improve. She has full range of motion in the hip with no popping and movement in all toes. She is self-feeding and we are continuing massage therapy to improve blood flow and prevent atrophy. We still need the hallux fracture to mend, but are encouraged by her progress so far.

 

[MAK]

Eagle update - the eagle rescued from the tree in Bothell is continuing to improve. She has full range of motion in the hip with no popping and movement in all toes. She is self-feeding and we are continuing massage therapy to improve blood flow and prevent atrophy. We still need the hallux fracture to mend, but are encouraged by her progress so far.

 

 

[AlisonL]

Today's update is encouraging; the eagle's injured foot looks a lot better.

Bothell Tree Eagle Update - the Bald eagle that was trapped hanging in the tree is improving. Overall she is looking good and is self-feeding - she is eating everything we give her! She is still in pain and is not wanting to weight bear on that hip and foot. But, look at the color in the foot, it is yellow and not red, black, and swollen. The hallux (like a thumb) is still broken so the foot will remain wrapped for a couple more weeks and we hope for continued healing.

Photo from Sarvey Wildlife Care Center.

[MAK]

 

[AlisonL]

The Bothell eagle is continuing to improve. The foot looks much improved, and the eagle looks brighter and more comfortable.

As of March 13:

The rescued Bothell Tree eagle is doing well. There is also a video posted showing our vet examining the hip joint and checking range of motion. The hip was dislocated, but it has improved and now we just need to wait for her foot to heal fully. She is eating everything we give her and continuing on cage rest.

And also on March 13:

Today our veterinary, Dr. Lesanna Lahner checked on the progress of the Bothell eagle. This poor eagle was stuck in a tree and hanging from one foot and leg. Her hip was dislocated and the hallux on the foot broken. The hip joint is no longer popping and seems to be healed. We will continue to monitor the foot, but it is improving as well. She is on cage rest and eating everything we give her. Thank you to everyone who has been asking about her and pulling for her recovery.

 

[MAK]