On May 17, a three-year-old Bald Eagle was found on its back near a road in King George County, Virginia. The eagle was taken to Wildbunch Wildlife Refuge in Richmond County and was stabilized with fluids; the bird was not able to stand. The eagle, patient #12-0851, was admitted to the Wildlife Center on May 18.
Dr. Adam and three veterinary students performed the eagle’s physical examination – they found that the eagle was laying down in its enclosure when it was first admitted, though perked up and struggled as it was caught up for the examination. The bird appeared to have feeling in both legs and feet, though the withdrawl response was a little slower in the right foot. The eagle was also tested for lead; results came back at a low, yet measureable level. Since no clinical signs were seen, treatment was not started. Due to the eagle’s size – a hefty 4.41 kgs – the staff suspects that the eagle is female.
Because the eagle was in good body condition, the team suspects that the bird may have
been hit by a car – and was found soon after the collision. Dr. Adam started the bird on a course of anti-inflammatories and placed the bird in the oxygen chamber in the Center’s surgery suite for overnight oxygen therapy.
On the morning of May 19, the eagle was alert – and feisty! The eagle was moved to an indoor enclosure in the Center’s holding room. By Sunday, May 20, the eagle was perching and was bright and alert in its enclosure. Dr. Adam felt that the eagle was stable enough for radiographs; the digital films revealed that everything was within normal limits.
Bald Eagle #12-0851 was moved to an outdoor enclosure – a C-pen – on Tuesday, May 22. The veterinary team will continue monitoring the injured eagle, and if all goes well, the bird will soon be moved to a larger flight pen.
