On August 14, a juvenile Bald Eagle was found on the ground by the water in Northampton County. The rescuer noted that the bird was unable to perch on a nearby rock and brought the eagle to Eastern Shore Animal Hospital.
Dr. Cindy Johnson-Larson examined the bird and found that the bird had poor grip in its right foot as well as a dull attitude. Radiographs were unremarkable.
On August 15, volunteer transporter Lona Wilson brought the Bald Eagle to the Wildlife Center, where it was admitted as patient #14-1903.
Upon arrival, Dr. Meghan Feeney, the Center’s veterinary intern, performed the initial exam. During the exam, Bald Eagle #14-1903 was bright, alert, and responsive, but continued to show poor perching and gripping ability in its right foot. Blood was taken for an emergency panel and lead testing; results returned with a lead level value close to the treatment threshold, but was otherwise within normal limits.
The bird was given fluids and anti-inflammatories before it was placed in the Center’s holding room with a meal of chopped rat overnight. The following morning, the eagle still showed weakness in its right foot, but was bright, alert, and had eaten all of its meal.
On August 19, the veterinary staff observed the young eagle standing in its crate and noted that the bird had good griping ability in both its limbs. On August 20, carpal bumpers were placed on the bird’s wings, and Bald Eagle #14-1903 was moved to one of the Center’s C Pens [C3].
The primary medical problem is still undetermined, and the veterinary staff will continue to monitor the eagle’s gripping and perching abilities.
Your special donation will help the Center to provide care to this Bald Eagle …and to the 2,600 sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals the Center will treat this year.
