On May 16, a female young adult Bald Eagle was admitted to the Wildlife Center. The eagle was found on the ground by an animal control officer in a landfill in Stafford, VA. This bird was unable to fly and would fall over when approached.
On presentation, patient #17-0968 was quiet and laying flat in the crate. The bird had a mildly thin body condition, a slightly decreased heart rate, and fresh bloody abrasions on her head, lower left and right mandibles, both carpi (wrists), and the tip of the left wing. All of the bird's primary feathers were tattered, particularly on the left wing, and most of the tail feathers were in blood. The bird was also covered in dust and dirt from being on the ground in the landfill.
Radiographs revealed an enlarged heart but no other significant findings. Blood work was unremarkable, and a test for lead in the blood showed very low levels. The vet staff administered pain medication and fluids. It's possible the bird suffered head or spinal trauma from a collision or fight, or the bird could have ingested a toxin (e.g. pesticides).
The morning after admission, the eagle was much brighter and feistier. Blood work was repeated to ensure nothing was missed during the initial analysis. The bird's lead levels remained low and no other abnormalities were noted. Blood will be sent to an external lab to test for organophosphates. Until then, the bird will be given supportive care and will be assessed daily.