STEENS MOUNTAINS GOLDEN EAGLE This is one tough bird! We are very happy to report that he made it through the first 24 hours with us. Today, we took radiographs of this eagle (and a Bald Eagle and Red-tailed Hawk). Although we wanted to rule out any substantial orthopedic fractures, we also wanted to see if there were any lead fragments inside the bird. Although usually there are no fragments inside a raptor (they cast up pellets of non-digestible material), you just never know. At Bend Veterinary Clinic, we had the wonderful opportunity to meet the couple who was present when this eagle was found at Wild Horse Lake. They are the ones who helped Biologist Mike Ellis capture the bird. These three people are truly amazing individuals! Thanks to them, this eagle was able to survive to see another day. We anesthetized this patient and positioned him on the table for his radiographs. What did they reveal? On the first image, Dr. Cooney thought something looked a little off in the pelvic region. There was a density that was much whiter than bone. After enhancement, it was still unclear as to what this density actually was. So, we took a lateral view (with the bird laying on its side). This reveals more clearly that what was giving Dr. Cooney concern was indeed LEAD. Not one piece, but two! At this point, it is unclear as to what part of the digestive tract the lead is in (it appears to be in the intestine). To determine this, we will do a barium series on the bird in an attempt to determine the exact location of the lead particles, +/- surgery to remove the lead. In the meantime, we hope to attempt to stimulate the GI tract so the eagle may eliminate the lead on his own, an bypass the need to go through surgery. Tomorrow, we should have the results of the blood lead test. This is a highly unusual condition, having lead stay inside a raptor. However, one of the effects of lead is to slow the digestive process. It also affects the nervous system and blood-making abilities, resulting in anemia. For treatment, we are chelating this fellow with Calcium EDTA, which binds to lead and prevents it from being absorbed. #inbend #inredmond #insisters #centraloregon #goldeneagle #wildliferehabilitation
Posted on: Tue, 26 Aug 2014 07:44:07 +0000