On September 10, a hatch-year Bald Eagle was found nearly comatose and was brought to veterinarians at Companion Animal Clinic of Blacksburg for immediate care. The veterinarian stabilized the bird; the eagle stopped breathing and required manual ventilation. The eagle was transferred that evening to the Wildlife Center and was admitted as patient #15-2015.
Upon admission, the eagle was very weak, extremely depressed, and presented with neurologic symptoms. The eagle was unable to stand in its crate and was not alert.
Prior to arrival, the eagle had regurgitated a large amount, and veterinary intern Dr. Dana Franzen suspected that the bird aspirated. Dr. Dana started the bird on a course of antibiotics to prevent infection from aspiration pneumonia. The eagle had an abrasion along the keel, likely from lying in on its chest.
Blood was drawn to test for toxins and signs of infection. Blood work was largely unremarkable, but staff will repeat blood work once the bird is well-hydrated.
Radiographs revealed that the eagle had also ingested a very large fish hook, though the fish hook is likely not the cause of any of the eagle’s other symptoms. The fish hook appears to be static and lodged in the eagle’s ventriculus, and the hook has minimal risk of perforation at this time. The eagle will be offered soft food with no bones to prevent the food items from shifting the hook.
The vet staff is keeping a close eye on the eagle’s attitude and neurologic status; the vet staff will continue to give the eagle subcutaneous fluids to assist with hydration and help with the metabolism of possible toxins.
On September 11, Dr. Dana reported that the eagle was standing in its crate and showed signs of neurologic improvement. At this time, the eagle has a guarded prognosis; if the eagle can be stabilized during the weekend, then vet staff will schedule surgery next week to remove the fish hook in the eagle’s ventriculus.
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.