HawkTalk 3 | Wildlife Medical Clinic

Chronic Wasting Disease in White-tail Deer

White-tailed Deer

In addition to being named the state mammal, the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is the only native deer species present within Illinois and is the largest herbivore species in the state.

As prey species, these animals commonly travel in herds and spend most of their day camouflaging within wooded areas and heavy brush. However, deer are considered browsers and will leave the safety of the woods, heading for open fields where preferable vegetation is available, feeding at dusk and dawn (crepuscular). They can be identified by their tan to gray fur and their notable ‘white tail’ which, when upright, can signal to other deer in the area that danger is near.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

While the white-tail deer is susceptible to a multitude of illnesses and different types of disease, one disease of particular concern in the state of Illinois is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). CWD is a prion disease. A prion is a protein that, when created, was formed incorrectly and leads to the protein acting inappropriately or abnormally. Prions lack any form of DNA and are not considered living organisms like bacteria or parasites, however, when normal functioning proteins encounter prions, the prions manipulate the proteins, causing them to act abnormally, and functionally turning the protein into another prion. Other examples of prion diseases include Mad Cow Disease in cattle and Scrapie in sheep and goats.

Prions can be found both within an organism and within that organisms environment. In many cases, prions can be found in the soil, water, grass and even rocks and can thrive in these environments for years. Prions can also be found in infected fluids from infected individuals including presence in the urine, feces, saliva, and blood. Animals can become infected with this disease either via exposure to prions in their environment or via prions present in animal excretions and fluids.

Symptoms of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

Once an animal has become exposed to the prions, proteins within the body will become infected, ultimately changing their functions and causing physical symptoms in the animal. Symptoms of CWD in deer include dramatic amounts of weight loss (also called wasting), uncoordinated movement, drooling, ‘dazed’ appearance, excessive drinking and urination, droopy ears and decreased fear of humans or other predators. While prions associated with CWD can infect multiples tissues of the body including lymph nodes, spleen and muscle, the neurological symptoms present in cases of CWD are primarily caused by accumulation of prions in the brain and spinal cord.

While infection of CWD can occur at any time, accumulation of prions in the body takes time and therefore, it can take anywhere from 16 months to 4 years before symptoms are appreciated. Additionally, once an animal is infected, they can shed the disease and spread it to other members of their herd, regardless of whether symptoms are present, making it difficult to track and detect the spread of this disease. Currently, there is no vaccine, treatment or cures available to fight CWD and therefore infection of this disease is lethal.

Be informed and help stop the spread of CWD

CWD was first identified in a captive deer population located in Colorado in the 1960’s and since then has spread to thirty-two states, parts of Canada and most recently, Europe. CWD is also able to infect other animals belonging to the cervid family which includes elk, moose, reindeer, and other species of deer such as the red deer, the mule deer, and the black tail deer. While there is no evidence to prove that humans can contract CWD, more research needs to be completed. For hunting, it is recommended that deer carcasses be tested for CWD prior to consumption. If a carcass is found to be infected with CWD, any products from that animal should not be consumed and the state DNR or DWR should be notified. Yearly reporting on CWD in Illinois is available by county through the Illinois DNR website. While diseases such as CWD present in wildlife can be scary, identification of disease and proper reporting are the best ways that you can make a difference in helping to better manage and stop the spread of disease in your area.

Written By: Emma S., Class of 2027

Works Cited

Chronic Wasting Disease Management. (n.d.). Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved October 17, 2024, from https://dnr.illinois.gov/programs/cwd.html

Chronic Wasting Disease in Animals | CWD. (2024, May 13). CDC. Retrieved October 17, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-wasting/animals/index.html

Escobar, L. E., Pritzkow, S., Winter, S. N., Grear, D. A., Kirchgessner, M. S., Dominguez‐Villegas, E., … & Soto, C. (2020). The ecology of chronic wasting disease in wildlife. Biological Reviews, 95(2), 393-408.

Wagner, K., Pierce, R., Gordon, E., Hay, A., Lessard, A., Telling, G. C., … & Zabel, M. D. (2022). Tissue-specific biochemical differences between chronic wasting disease prions isolated from free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Journal of Biological Chemistry, 298(4).

White-tailed Deer. (n.d.). Wildlife Illinois. Retrieved October 17, 2024, from https://wildlifeillinois.org/identify-wildlife/white-tailed-deer/

**Images in this article do not depict deer with Chronic Wasting Disease. These are healthy orphaned deer fawn.**

Case Study: The Hoot on Owl Eyes

Eastern Screech Owl with an injured eye being held in a gloved hand for it's intake exam at the Wildlife Medical Clinic.

Intake and Treatment Plan

Earlier this year the Wildlife Medical Clinic received an Eastern Screech Owl, from one of our close partners the Illinois Raptor Center. Unfortunately, this little fella’ had an issue unlike most of our raptor patients.

While you may be thinking, “Wow, I’m sure that owl would look super cute with an eye patch”, when we saw this guy’s eyes, we were concerned about potential disease processes that could be occurring to cause the eye to have this appearance. The grey-white color seen in this photo occurs due to cornea thickening and will often imply a permanent change causing vision loss in that eye. After a brief exam where we confirmed our suspicions but also verified that the other eye was functioning and healthy, our animal care team quickly set up a plan to perform an evisceration surgery to remove the non-functioning eye.

Can this owl be released with one eye?

Unlike most raptor species, owls can survive in the wild with only one eye. Many other raptor species (hawks, kestrels, eagles) are unable to be released if found with vision loss in one eye, due to the negative implications it can have on their ability to catch prey. Being diurnal species, or species that are active during the day, they primarily use their vision to hunt.

Owls, on the other hand, can hunt effectively even without perfect vision. Being a nocturnal species or species that are active at night, they primarily use their sense of hearing to hunt. Thus, allowing for their release with only one eye.

Post Surgery

A one eyed Eastern Screech Owl in a hospital enclosure. It's injured eye was surgically removed.

This was our patient, following his evisceration surgery. He recovered great afterward and had no problem navigating his enclosure with only one eye! We were able to transfer this patient back to the Illinois Raptor Center where he continued his rehabilitation process with the end goal of eventually being released back into the wild!

When we say continued his rehabilitation process, this organization has larger enclosures that will allow them to flight test and condition this individual for release. They will ensure he can fly, find food on his own and exhibit species appropriate behaviors (confirm he is not imprinted or too friendly around people) before he is released back into the wild.

Written By: Katelyn D., Class of 2026

Coexisting with Wildlife

Several finches eating bird seed on a platform bird feeder.

As cool weather starts to approach, people may soon find wild animals trying to move into their home and their yard. While some people have very environmentally friendly yards that encourage wildlife to visit, some do not and that is ok. Thankfully there are many ways to humanely and effectively prevent unwanted wild visitors.

Discouraging New Residents

The best way to keep many animals from setting up a home in your yard or attic is to minimize its level of attractiveness and its accessibility. You can achieve this by doing the following:

Seal cracks and gaps in your home.
- Substances like caulk, expandable foam, mortar, and plywood can all be used to seal any exterior openings. Animals like squirrels and raccoons can also climb trees to access your roof so it is important to trim tree limbs or wrap the bottom of the tree in aluminum to prevent them from climbing up and setting up dens on your roof or in your attic.
Secure potential food and water sources.
- Clean your grill after each use.
- Secure your compost.
- Fix leaky pipes and dump standing water in your yard.
- Clean spilled seed under bird feeders.
- Purposely feeding wildlife or leaving food out for stray cats will also continually attract any number of wild animals to your home so make sure to keep any pet food or water dishes inside.
Maintain your property and landscaping.
- Keep clutter to a minimum. Reduce hiding spots by keeping your garage, shed, and yard organized.
- Maintain your landscaping by removing brush piles quickly, trimming trees and shrubs away from your house, and removing fallen debris, especially organic matter (fallen fruits and leaves) as these all attract wildlife to your yard.

Rabbit resting on its side under a rock in sandy substrate.

Other Methods of Discouraging Wildlife from Inhabiting your Yard

Physical Barriers

Netting or Tarps that cover nesting areas such as porch lights and eaves.
Mesh or Wire that covers open, covered areas where birds may nest
Gutter guards

Visual Repellants

Shiny objects – Can hang old CD’s, aluminum foil, mirrors, reflective tape, wind chimes and other objects that move in the wind and reflect light.
Predator Decoys – Plastic hawks, owls, or coyotes. Some move and make noise, some are stationary.
Motion activated sprinklers and lights.

Auditory Repellants

Ultrasonic devices that emit high frequency sounds humans can’t hear but animals can.
Playing music when the animal would be active.

Scent and Taste Repellants

There are commercial repellents like peppermint oil, garlic, and predator urine that can repel animals from your yard. You can also plant strong smelling herbs such as mint, lavender, and rosemary around the borders of your yard.
You can sprinkle spicy or bitter herbs on your garden/flowers to deter animals from consuming them.

Encouraging Unwanted Guests to Leave

If a family of wild animals has already set up a den in your home or yard, some of the techniques mentioned above can help encourage them to find a new home. Placing objects such as strong lights, reflective CDs or tins, blinking holiday lights, motion-activated sprinklers, loud music, or windchimes near the den, especially at night, could encourage the animals to relocate. Many animals are repelled by strong smells such as vinegar, citrus, menthol, coffee grounds, rubbing alcohol, and some essential oils. Try one or a combination of different smells sprayed near the den to discourage animals from returning.

Techniques to Avoid

While trapping and relocating wildlife may look like an easy fix to unwanted wildlife nesting near your home, it is not. Removing wild animals is illegal without the proper permits and only allows new animals to move into the vacated area. In addition, handling animals without the proper equipment can be dangerous. This is not only due to their ability to inflict damage such as bite wounds or scratches but because these animals could carry diseases that can spread to humans. You should never use poisons or toxic substances to get rid of wild animals as this is inhumane, potentially illegal, and usually affects more than just the targeted species. Substances like rodenticide can also cause secondary poisoning in other wild animals or even pets. If the deterrents listed in the beginning of this article have all been tried and do not work, and there is a wild animal in your home, it is best to contact a wildlife control operator. Make sure to do your research and look for the most environmentally conscience companies. In Illinois, you can find more information at https://wildlifeillinois.org/remove-nuisance-wildlife/hire-a-wildlife-control-operator/.

Injured warbler in a soft sided enclosure resting on a towel.

Also remember, keeping wild animals without the proper permits is illegal and can be detrimental to the animal’s health as they have special dietary needs along with specific husbandry and handling requirements that untrained individuals may not be knowledgeable about. If you find healthy orphaned wildlife, it is best to first observe and try to reunite them with their parents. If that is not successful, get them to a licensed rehabilitator as soon as possible. In the meantime, keep them in a warm, dark, quiet area until you can get them to a licensed rehabilitator and DO NOT offer food or water. To find a licensed rehabilitator in Illinois, visit https://wildlifeillinois.org/get-help-for-injured-wildlife/list-of-licensed-wildlife-rehabilitators/.

Written By: Talia D., Class of 2026, and Sydney Oliveira

Meet Basil, the American Toad

Sydney Oliveira, WMC Program Coordinator went on CiLiving with our American Toad ambassador, “Basil”. Follow along to learn about Basil and American Toads.

A Reflection on My Time in the Wildlife Medical Clinic

American Toad in a small temporary kennel resting on wet paper towels.

Experiences in the Wildlife Medical Clinic

A white and black colored pigeon in a hospital enclosure with towels as bedding and artificial plants.

The smallest patient I’ve ever worked with at the Wildlife Medical Clinic was a 28g Swainson’s thrush and I got to intubate. The largest patient I’ve ever worked with was a 4 kg red fox. Both patients presented different challenges, anatomy, and equipment required for care. Throughout my time at the wildlife clinic, I’ve learned how to work with different species and care for them. This year I got to experience my first amphibian patient, intubate a pigeon, and release many patients back to the wild! All the experience I’ve gained from my three years at the WMC can be applied to the veterinary oath I will soon take.

Lessoned Learned Volunteering in the Clinic

No one likes to see animals suffer. People often see a sick animal, whether wild or domestic, and feel an urge to help. The Wildlife Medical Clinic provides a place for those sick animals to be brought and cared for. Proper husbandry is an important part of patient care not commonly emphasized in domestic species. For example, birds need perches and certain birds such as loons need hammocks to present keel adhesions. Even within the category of birds, a wide variety of diets and lifestyles need to be accommodated. Throughout my time at the wildlife clinic, I’ve been able to learn about so many different species and can provide welfare for them in that way.

Euthanasia is a big topic in wildlife medicine. When an animal cannot be successfully released to the wild the typical course of treatment is euthanasia or transfer to a permanent captive home. Euthanasia is probably one of the skills I’ve gained the most experience with at the WMC. These experiences have taught me better judgment and respect and appreciation for the euthanasia process. Many of the patients we see brought in injured are from human-caused incidents such as glue traps and patients hit by cars. Euthanasia although not the most enjoyable subject, relieves these animals of further suffering.

Tularemia, Distemper, and now HPAI are just a few of the diseases I’ve learned about at the WMC. Recognizing these infectious diseases has been an important part of my training at WMC. As veterinarians, we have a duty to the public to prevent the transmission of zoonotic diseases and not only protect our animals but people as well.

Wildlife Medicine often uses comparative research and drug dosages between species. Whenever presented with a new case much research was needed to be done with a lot of recent research being used. Throughout my time we have tried novel techniques such as acupuncture for a neuropathy on a turtle forelimb. Wildlife has taught me that research is never-ending and there’s always something new to learn.

Thankful for time spent and lessons learned in the Wildlife Medical Clinic

Swainson's Thrush in gloved hand for an exam.

As I go to clinics I reflect about my time at the WMC and am grateful for all the patients, people, and memories. The past 3 years I have gained tremendous experience I don’t see gaining anywhere else in my career. I encourage all students to participate in the WMC as it is time well spent for both the patients and yourself. It has been an extremely worthwhile experience.

Written By: Emma Suvacarov, Class of 2026

Cuddly Predators: The Dangers that Cats Inflict on Wildlife

Virginia opossum with a injured right eye and wound across nose in an enclosure standing on several towels.

The Dangers of Cat Bites

As cuddly, friendly, and cute as they can be, at the end of the day, cats are predators and pose a risk to our local wildlife species, especially birds and rabbits. Cats are a significant danger to wildlife for many reasons, some of which include predation, disruption of the ecosystem, and disease transmission. Severely reducing or eliminating these risks that cats introduce can be attainable and we should do our best to try.

Predation

Young Blue Jay with another bird in a soft sided kennel with a small cave to hide in, perch on and artificial plants next to it.

A cat can catch various wildlife species and inflict damage by tearing the skin, introducing bacteria to the wound, and shaking the animal causing internal damage, among other things. Many animals that come into the Wildlife Medical Clinic that have been victims of outdoor cats, unfortunately, do not make it due to the extent of their injuries or through infection. Cats are hunters at heart and are responsible for the deaths of billions of mainly birds and bunnies. These deaths can have an impact on local populations particularly those endangered or at risk; subsequently, affecting certain species populations could have a domino effect on other species in the ecosystem.

Environmental Contamination

One common infectious agent is Toxoplasmosis which is a disease contracted from the parasite Toxoplasmosis gondii. Cats are known hosts to this parasite and while the cat may not show any symptoms they can transfer this parasite to wildlife species and even humans through their feces. The parasites’ oocytes laid in feces are resilient in adverse environments and become infectious. Water, soil, and food can become contaminated thus continuing the spread. Toxoplasmosis can have significant effects on certain wildlife species and some have shown cases of mortality to the parasite, for instance, sea otters.

Spread of Disease

White footed mouse peeking out from a thick layer of recycled paper bedding and hay.

Additionally, cats can be disease reservoirs harboring a pathogen and transmitting the pathogen from host to host thus playing a crucial role in the infectiousness. Pasteurella multocida is a bacteria commonly found in the mouths of cats that is normal and not harmful to them but dangerous if infected to other animals like cottontail rabbits. Prey animals like bunnies, typically are not that resilient to infections so Pasteurella multocida from a cat bite is often deadly.

Clinical signs of Pasteurella multocida include respiratory distress, hemorrhage, septicemia, death, etc. Wildlife animals are already subject to various predators and risks to their lives without adding domestic cats to the mix.

Prevention for our Wildlife

The only foolproof prevention from the consequences of cat bites in our wildlife species is to protect them from predators like our furry friends. Keeping cats indoors protects not only wildlife from infections, injury, and death but the opposite is also true. Cats are also susceptible to harm from wildlife species such as rabies, which is fatal. Rabies vaccination is a great start for prevention but avoiding exposure to the virus is optimal. Veterinary Medicine goes beyond treating sick animals and aims toward prevention in order to keep animals, humans, and our environment alike all healthy. We love our cats and want the absolute best for them, and the best for them is keeping them safely inside which is coincidentally the best for our local wildlife populations. However, if a domestic cat is so inclined to be outdoors then it would be best if they are monitored and potentially kept on a leash to assure the safety of our outdoor friends as well as those we keep indoors.

References

Liao, Kristine. “Outdoor Cats Are Deadly-and Not Just for Birds and Squirrels.” Popular Science,31 May 2022.

Mostl, Karin. “Guideline for Pasteurella Multocida Infection.” ABCD Cats & Vets, 9 July 2024.

University, Texas A&M. “How Free-Roaming Cats Impact Wildlife, Disease Transmission.

University, Texas A&M. How free-roaming cats impact wildlife, disease transmission. Phys.Org, Phys.org, 20 Oct. 2023.

Written By: Kristen C., Class of 2027

The Eternal Summer

Climate Change

Can you feel it? The temperatures rising, wanting so much to fall into the cozy autumn chill, but
staying stuck in the lazy days of summer, unexpectedly waxing and waning here and there,
followed by disastrous hurricanes, detrimental tornadoes, and deadly heat waves. Climate change is upon us, urgently calling for our attention and action. Its effects are nearing the point of no return, not only wreaking havoc on our homes and lives, but also on those of our ecosystem and wildlife populations.

The Effects of Climate Change on Wildlife

With the effects of climate change worsening, we can see its direct manifestations of dangerous weather effects all over the world. Inevitably, this has caused severe damage to the habitats in which our wildlife animals live, destroying their homes and depleting their food sources. This habitat destruction, in addition to the increasing temperatures, have caused a change in species migration patterns, leading to invasiveness, overcrowding, and unexpected competition between different wildlife populations, thus depleting more food resources and causing a domino effect. This further increases the risk of extinction and endangerment of wildlife species.

Potential Adaptation

Ornate Box Turtle in a researchers gloved hand out in a prairie.

While these changes in species migration patterns can cause detrimental effects to the local wildlife, it is a way that animals have shown that they are adapting to the changing environment of the world. How about those animals who stay put despite these changes? Throughout evolutionary history, animals have shown that they have the capacity to “locally adapt” to their environments depending on the resources available, the temperature, and etc. With this “adaptive capacity,” wildlife populations may just be able to persist through these changing times, with additional help from us.

How Can You Help?

Leave wildlife habitats and ecosystems as undisturbed as possible. Animals thrive in their natural habitat without any disruptions from humans. Unless an animal is harmed or hurt, it is best to leave them be.
Participate in local conservation efforts. Volunteer with local organizations to help with efforts such as habitat restoration, reforestation, community clean-up, and more to further help maintain the habitats of wildlife animals.
Reduce, reuse, recycle. Do your part. It may seem like those small things, such as choosing to use paper instead of plastic at the grocery store or throwing your water bottle into the recycling instead of the trash, won’t have a huge impact on reversing the effects of climate change. However, if we all do our part, we can get one step closer to bettering our planet and protecting our beloved wildlife population.

Written by: Akasha G., Class of 2027

Wildlife and Fireworks

It is often discussed how fireworks impact people and even their pets, but did you know that fireworks can also have negative impacts on our native wildlife populations. Every year wildlife hospitals and rehabilitation centers around the country, including the Wildlife Medical Clinic (WMC), see an increase in the number of orphaned and injured wildlife in the weeks surrounding 4^th of July.

How do Fireworks Harm Wildlife?

Litter of Eastern Cottontail Rabbits and an artificial nest.

Just like you and me, wildlife are scared by loud noises. The loud thunderous sound of fireworks can frighten wildlife causing them to panic. Birds might fly into windows. Small mammals like rabbits and squirrels may flee in fear, injuring themselves in the process. There is also a greater risk of animals abandoning their babies. Because of the loud and often disorientating noises animals fleeing in a panic may not think it is safe to go back for their babies afterwards. This leaves them in the care of wildlife rehabilitators if they are found by good Samaritans. While wildlife rehabilitators have the tools and knowledge to raise these animals, they can never fully replicate the care that the parents provide to their offspring. Raising orphaned wildlife often poses many challenges, so it is much better if these animals are able to stay in the wild with their parents.

You also must consider the waste produced from fireworks. Like small children and puppies, wild animals tend to pick up things with their mouths and eat them without knowing that they may be harmful. Paper, cardboard, strings, and plastic are all waste products from fireworks, and they all pose a risk to animals if eaten. Not to mention the trash is coated in the chemicals that allow fireworks to light and give them their unique colors, many of which are toxic to wildlife. Unfortunately, ingesting trash from firework shows may lead to death for some animals. If you have ever had a pet eat something they shouldn’t and had to rush them to the vet, you will understand just how critical these cases can become and unfortunately, we are often too late for wildlife who have ingested foreign materials and are having complications. String like materials are also detrimental to birds as it can easily become tangled in their wings, leaving them unable to fly, unable to get food, and defenseless against predators.

And last but not least, fireworks have the potential to start wildfires. Wildfires can be a huge ecological disaster on top of the devastation they can cause to humans. Anytime fire is being used there is a risk for it to get out of control and fireworks are no exception this.

How Can You Help?

The absolute best thing to do would be to completely stop using fireworks. Things like drone light shows are a much safer alternative to actual fireworks. In some situations, they can look just as good if not better than fireworks. Not to mention, they are also a lot quieter and don’t come with the all of the litter or the potential to start wildfires. However, they do require professionals with equipment to set up, which is not feasible for someone to do in their backyard.

If you’re not able to cut out fireworks completely there are other options to try. One would be to consider going to your local community fireworks show instead of setting them off at your home. Many towns, parks, and other organizations put on firework shows for the public to watch each year. Not only is it a lot safer for the people involved, but it also reduces the total number of fireworks being set off, lessening the impact to local wildlife.

If you are going to be putting on a show at home, there are also a few things to consider. One, setting off smaller fireworks that aren’t as loud can help prevent scaring wildlife. Two, making sure that you are picking up any trash left behind from the fireworks can prevent wildlife from becoming tangled or ingesting the firework debris. Three, you can make sure you are not setting fireworks off in a dry field or next to dry brush that may catch fire. Being mindful of the risk that a fire can pose is often the first step and helps to prevent it. And finally, you can consider donating to a local wildlife center. Taking care of orphaned or injured wildlife can be costly and most rehab centers rely on donations to keep running.

So, before you celebrate this upcoming Independence Day, remember to keep our wildlife friends in mind and do your best to have a safe and animal friendly celebration!

Written by Grace L, Class of 2027

Barred Owl Case

Barred Owl Wildlife patient perched in a hospital enclosure. Brown paper looking item under the perch is a tail guard to protect the birds tail while in our care.

Barred Owl, Strix varia

The barred owl, Strix varia, are found throughout North America, but most commonly in the East. They are commonly found in a variety of habitats such as upland woods, conifers, bottomland forests and swamps. A few features that stand out are their yellow beaks, large brown eyes, and rounded heads.

Arrival to the Wildlife Medical Clinic

At the end of August 2024, juvenile Barred Owl 24-1882 was brought in by a good Samaritan to the University of Illinois’ Wildlife Medical Clinic (WMC) with an injury of unknown origin. Upon examination by the veterinary student volunteers and veterinarians in the WMC, an open right distal carpometacarpal fracture was palpated, notable trauma was seen in both eyes, and damaged rectrices or tail feathers were present. It was determined sedated radiographs were needed to confirm the carpometacarpal luxation, so those were performed. Open fracture care was administered and a splint was placed.

Once the diagnosis was determined, the team began with a treatment plan. That plan involved administering antibiotics and pain medication to help with any pain due to the fracture and injured eyes. Later that day, the patient was placed under general anesthesia for an arthrodesis procedure to promote the healing of the luxation. Wound care was administered and a figure eight wrap splint was placed to keep the wing immobile and hopefully prevent further damage. The patient was continually monitored post procedure and for the days following the procedure. Pain medication and antibiotics were continued and a splint change was done under sedation a week after the surgery. The patient had a great appetite and continued to heal.

Continued Care

Barred Owl wildlife patient with it's right wing wrapped.

The continued care for this patient was the administration of PROM. PROM stands for Passive Range Of Motion; it is performed under general anesthesia and the ROM for the joint is measured in degrees. The right elbow and the metacarpal joints are extended for two minutes, two times to ensure full range of motion of the wing. This procedure helps ensure that lack of movement brought on by the splint does not cause further damage to the joints. PROM was administered a couple times weekly for several weeks following the initial procedure. During that time, the wound was continually assessed and monitored for any changes. The patient continued to improve and was able to discontinue pain meds. Additional radiographs were taken to confirm PROM and splinting was no longer necessary. Once this was confirmed, the patient was ready to be moved to a flight cage.

Remaining Hopeful

Before heading to the flight cage an exam was completed by a veterinarian and range of motion was found to be almost normal, despite noting feather damage including broken right alular feathers and rectrices (tail feathers). The patient was placed in a flight cage for continued healing and an imping procedure was performed to ensure it can be released back into the wild. The imping procedure is basically just replacing broken or missing feathers with donor feathers and reinforcing the feather shaft to ensure the feathers remain in place until the next molt.

Conclusion

Once the imping procedure was completed, the barred owl was monitored closely to ensure the new feathers stayed in place and that it was able to maneuver it’s enclosure. Unfortunately, we do not have large flight cages, so we worked with another licensed rehabilitator that does have large flight enclosures and transported the owl to them. This allowed the rehabilitators to monitor it’s flight better before released and also help to keep the animal fit and conditioned for release.

Written By: Katie M., Class of 2027

What do I do if I find a Baby Bird?

Sydney Oliveira, WMC Program Coordinator, visits CiLiving to discuss what to do if you find orphaned wildlife.