People at the National Aviary worry when Abby stops eating.
It took three people to restrain the flapping, one-winged American bald eagle yesterday as she underwent her first physical examination in three years.
Officials from the North Side aviary grew concerned that the bird, popular with kids, might be sick when her appetite for frozen mice, rats and other food ebbed five days ago.
With the help of veterinary technicians, Dr. Pilar Fish, the aviary's director of veterinary services, drew blood and conducted other tests on the 11-pound bird. Laboratories in other states will test the blood samples.
Fish suspects Abby developed fungal pneumonia, which is not contagious but can weaken birds if left untreated.
"We just want to make sure she's OK, or that, if she has (the condition), we can treat it right away," Fish said.
The exam showed Abby was slightly dehydrated and could have a bacterial infection. She will get medicine in food for a few days until the test results arrive.
Abby has lived in an open-roof display since coming to the aviary from Alaska 16 years ago. She lost her left wing when someone shot her.
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