PATIENT:  Bald Eagle, #11-2471

LOCATION OF RESCUE:  Northumberland County, Virginia

CAUSE OF ADMISSION:  Suspect hit by car

ADMISSION DATE: October 3, 2011

OUTCOME:  Euthanized October 6, 2011

On the afternoon of October 3, the Wildlife Center of Virginia admitted Bald Eagle #11-2471 for treatment. The immature eagle was found by a road in Northumberland County earlier that day by an animal control officer, who brought the bird to a permitted rehabilitator. The eagle was bleeding from its mouth and was unable to stand, which leads our Center veterinarians to suspect that it was struck by a moving vehicle.  The rehabilitator recognized the severity of the injuries and had the eagle transported to the center within hours.

When it arrived, the eagle was examined by Dr. Miranda Sadar.   The eagle was still unable to stand and Dr. Miranda noted that the eagle could not feel superficial pain in its legs. These factors have led Center veterinarians to hypothesize that the Bald Eagle might be suffering from spinal trauma. This is generally a very grave prognosis, but the fact that #11-2471 can still feel deep pain has given our staff a little encouragement.

Dr. Miranda also ordered emergency blood work which revealed that the eagle was suffering from anemia and hypoproteinemia –low blood protein—which, along with the blood found in #11-2741’s mouth, led the veterinary staff to conclude that the young Bald Eagle is probably suffering from internal bleeding as well.

With such serious potential injuries, the Center’s veterinarians are not very optimistic about the eagle’s chances for recovery. They have prescribed a cocktail of anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, and pain medications and are waiting  to see what effects these have on #11-2471’s condition.

October 6 update

When the veterinary team checked on Bald Eagle #11-2471 on the morning of October 6, they found that the eagle’s condition had deteriorated overnight.  The eagle was humanely euthanized.

The Wildlife Center depends on the donations of caring individuals for the health care provided to this Bald Eagle  – and to about 2,500 wild animals in need each year.  Please help!