Admitted, Bald Eagle
Admission Date:
October 7, 2013
Location of Rescue:
Lancaster County, Virginia
Cause of Admission / Condition:
Unable to stand
Prognosis:
Guarded
Patient Status:
Current Patient
On October 2, an immature Bald Eagle was found in a parking lot of a church in Lancaster County, Virginia. The eagle was unable to walk and was quickly captured and taken to a permitted rehabilitator. On the evening of October 7, the eagle was transferred to the Wildlife Center of Virginia, thanks to two volunteer transporters.
The eagle, admitted as patient #13-2495, was greeted by Dr. Kristin Britton, the Center’s veterinary intern, as well as a team of veterinary students. Dr. Kristin and team performed a physical examination on the eagle, which included a set of radiographs and initial blood work to check for lead toxicity.
The Bald Eagle was not using its legs well, and maintained a poor grip when it was restrained for the physical exam. Dr. Kristin noted that there was poor muscle tone in the eagle’s legs and that the right leg was weaker than the left. Fluids and anti-inflammatories were given to the eagle.
The team placed the eagle in a large crate in the Center’s holding room. The following morning, the eagle was lying down in the crate, and only lifted its head when the crate door was opened. The veterinary team will continue to monitor the eagle’s status and will provide supportive care.
Admission Date:
October 7, 2013
Location of Rescue:
Northumberland County, Virginia
Cause of Admission / Condition:
Hit by vehicle
Prognosis:
Guarded
Patient Status:
Current Patient
On October 7, a mature Bald Eagle was found in Northumberland County, likely after it was hit by a vehicle. The eagle was taken to the Wildbunch Wildlife Refuge before it was transported to the Wildlife Center of Virginia later that evening.
Dr. Kristin Britton, the Center’s veterinary intern, examined the eagle. She found that the bird was unable to stand and had blood in its oral cavity, subcutaneous emphysema [air under the skin], and an injury to its left eye. A set of radiographs was taken, but no fractures were found. The eagle was not positive for lead toxicity.
The eagle was given fluids and anti-inflammatories and was settled into the Center’s holding room for the evening. On the morning of October 8, the eagle was lying down in its enclosure. The veterinary team noted that the eagle has a stronger reaction to sensation in its right foot when compared to its left.
In the next few days, the staff will continue to monitor the eagle’s neurologic status and will provide supportive care.
