Reptiles | Wildlife Medical Clinic

A Troubled Turtle

Eastern Box Turtle sitting on an exam table. Aural abscess visible on left side of head.

Eastern Box Turtle 25-611

Meet 25-611, a male eastern box turtle. He came to us with an aural abscess–an issue commonly seen with turtles of multiple species, as well as some early warning signs of respiratory issues. Fun fact: the word “aural” means related to the ears, though it is pronounced almost identically to “oral”, which can cause confusion.

After spending a bit of time with us, it became obvious that this turtle was dealing with a serious respiratory infection. He was intermittently struggling to breathe, and symptoms were exacerbated when he was not at rest. Further evaluation was conducted with radiographs of his lungs, which showed signs of pneumonia.

Before we could fix his ear, we had to address his respiratory infection. He was started on a protocol of antibiotics and pain medication. After about two weeks on medication, we saw some improvement. However, discharge was seen coming from his left nare and eye, which indicated there was a blockage on that side called a rhinolith. Once he was stable enough for anesthesia, we were able to surgically remove the rhinolith along with the aural abscess.

So What’s Up with Aural Abscesses?

Aural abscesses in turtles happen when the turtle doesn’t get enough Vitamin A over a long period of time. Both wild and captive turtles get their Vitamin A from what they eat, but wild turtles don’t get vitamin supplements the way a pet might. When they develop a Vitamin A deficiency, their skin and mucus membranes near the ear start to change. The tissue overgrows and transforms into big clumps of dead cells that eventually become infected, interfere with the tympanum (the eardrum), and can even erode bone.

Once an aural abscess forms, it isn’t considered an emergency on its own, but it does require surgery to fix. Ongoing care is also needed to manage pain, treat any remaining infection, and possibly provide nutritional support.

Not Out of the Woods…

Luckily, 25-611’s aural abscess wasn’t particularly severe or complicated, and his surgery went well. Unfortunately, the surgery did not resolve all his issues. For a while, it looked like he was better. With his ear fixed and healing, his nose unplugged, and support from antibiotics, he gained weight and was breathing more normally.

Eastern Box Turtle exploring outside next to a side walk.

In August, after two months, his lungs looked clear on imaging and his clinical signs had improved so much that he was taken off of medication entirely. Two weeks later, he was given one final check and appeared to have completely recovered from his pneumonia, so he was approved for release. Unfortunately, on the very same day that we planned to release him back to his home, his respiratory signs returned.

Strangely, though, they were a bit different this time. His x-ray images still showed that he was free of pneumonia, but his breathing would still intermittently be heavy, especially after exercise. We placed him back on two different antibiotics, and also pursued more aggressive diagnostics. We performed a lung wash, where a small amount of fluid is used to collect a liquid sample of whatever germs may be in the lungs. We also did a test for several important turtle pathogens. None of these provided any answers.

25-611 improved greatly and was off antibiotics, but release was not an option regardless as it was too late in the season and he would need to be overwintered and released in the spring when temperatures warmed up. We decided to proceed with high resolution CT imaging to confirm the pneumonia had cleared up and just to make sure there wasn’t anything that simple x-rays might have missed. Nothing new was found on the CT scan so we continued with the supportive care and closely monitored him over the winter months.

Approved for Release

Over the winter, 25-611 continued to improve and his appetite and weight increased and no further respiratory issues were noted. We just needed the temperatures to increase and stay consistent so 25-611 could be released back into the wild. After nearly a year in our care, patient 25-611 had a clean bill of health, was in great body condition, and the weather was finally suitable for release back into the wild!

Written By: Alex W., Class of 2028

Eastern Box Turtles, Frequent WMC Patients

Eastern Box Turtle resting under heat lamp with legs stretched out behind it.

The eastern box turtle is by far one of the most commonly received turtles that the Wildlife Medical Clinic (WMC) treats in its facility. Whether it be from an injury, illness, or anything in between, this turtle is one that the public finds often in our area and brings to the clinic when they are in need of help. While the eastern box turtle is named as a “turtle” they actually seemed to have missed the memo and instead spend a great deal of their time on land similar to a tortoise! They will enjoy a nice soak however, especially in the hotter summer season by burying themselves in some nice mud or by just going straight into shallow water.

Identifying Features of Eastern Box Turtles

Eastern box turtle with an aural abscess on left side of face.

The easiest way to know if you’re looking at an eastern box is by taking a look at the shell. They are known for their yellowish-orange speckled, high-domed carapace. The carapace is the fancy way of specifying the top part shell; the bottom part is called the plastron. Conveniently, their scaly, thick skin is actually a similar pattern too; it has an overall dark brown/black “background” with vibrant shades of yellow, orange, or red speckles. These turtles are relatively small, only reaching a size of about four to seven inches. Like many other turtles (and tortoises), eastern box turtles do not have teeth nor a bony jaw, alternatively, they have a jaw made up of a keratinized beak similar to that of a bird!

Common Causes for Intake

Eastern Box Turtle tucked in its shell. Can see wire on shell, repairing cracks.

There are many reasons someone might bring the eastern box turtle to our clinic. One reason could be that they accidentally hit one with their vehicle. Unfortunately, this is a very common occurrence as we continue to develop more land for agriculture and urbanization. So if you are driving through a road surrounded by more forested land, be aware of the road and drive the speed limit; if you are able to safely slow down, and/or go around the turtle this would be ideal for all parties involved. Oftentimes, female turtles are hit while searching for sites to lay their eggs. However, all sexes and ages are susceptible to vehicle collisions while migrating between food and water sources. Additionally, obstacles such as train track, curbs, and extensive debris pose challenges for the eastern box turtle trying to cross roads.

Another reason we may see them at the WMC is for trauma caused by domestic animals! So keeping a watchful eye and especially keeping your pets leashed is very important, not just for these turtles but other wildlife as well! Eastern box turtles may also be poisonous if other animals consume them since they are known for eating and snacking on poisonous mushrooms which then gets stored in their tissue as toxins. While their bodies can handle these toxins, the bodies of other animals may not fare as well.

How to Safely Move a Box Turtle

In the instance that you do come across an eastern box turtle that must absolutely be moved and/or brought in to be seen at the WMC, there are a few steps that you should keep in mind so as to avoid mishandling the turtle. If you just need to move them, move them in the direction they were travelling and move them just enough to get them out of harms way. They should not be moved from the area where they are found unless they are injured or ill. If you need to transport them to a licensed rehabilitator, please note the exact location the animal was found as that will be needed when it is time to release the animal back into the wild.

For handling, you can slowly and safely lift them using both hands, reaching between their front and back legs by placing your thumbs on the top shell (the carapace) and your fingers under the shell (on the plastron), almost like holding a hamburger. Avoid reaching in front of them or near the rear of them as to avoid having your fingers pinched when they close their shell. You should also avoid the front to reduce your chances of being bitten. Keep them relatively low to the ground as you are moving them in case they squirm and need to be set down or on the off chance that your grip is not tight enough and they fall, that way they are not falling very far. Alternatively, should you wish not to handle them with your hands, you can use a flat object (like a shovel or lid) to gently slide under them and transport them that way, still very low to the ground.

Next, place them in a well ventilated box or container that is large enough for them to comfortably turn around in, then make your way over to the WMC or another licensed rehabilitator as soon as possible. It is very important not to hold on to wildlife longer than absolutely necessary as this can cause stress and delay necessary treatment, hindering their chances of survival and release back into the wild.

Written By: Rachel L., Class of 2027

Case Study: The Fix on Fractures

The Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) is one of six subspecies of the Common Box Turtle and is found in the eastern United States. Eastern Box Turtles are mainly terrestrial turtles that live in areas of high vegetation and are close to small rivers or streams. Box turtles get their name from their hinged bottom shell, or plastron. This allows the turtle to completely close its shell around its body in dangerous or threatening situations. The plastron of an Eastern Box Turtle is dark brown, while their top shell, or carapace, can be bright yellow or orange. This coloring, and their four toes, is a helpful identifier of Eastern Box Turtles when they’re compared to other Box Turtle species. This coloring also allows the Eastern Box Turtle to camouflage among the damp earth, fallen leaves, and fallen vegetation in the highly moist and vegetative areas where they reside.

Intake

Box turtle with laceration under right rear leg.

Eastern Box Turtle (TECA) 25-2096 is an adult female (as determined by her flat plastron and longer, thinner, curved rear claws) that presented to the Wildlife Medical Clinic on September 25 after being hit by a car. Upon intake, 2096 was alert, active, moderately dehydrated, and intent on wreaking havoc in the clinic, as she emerged out of her transport box mid-examination. 2096 had a superficial laceration across her right knee that did not appear infected and had a small abrasion at the midpoint of her right vertebral scute on her carapace.

Drawing of a Carapace (top) vs Plastron (Bottom) for turtle shells.

On her plastron, which was the area of highest concern, there was a superficial, actively bleeding fracture at the level of her right marginal scute that, although not very wide, did extend all the way to her right femoral scute. She also had superficial fractures of her right anal scutes. Due to these injuries, initial treatments included subcutaneous (below the skin) fluids and an injection of hydromorphone, an opioid medication that is known to be helpful with alleviating pain from shell fractures. Vetericyn spray (an antimicrobial wound spray) was also sprayed over the laceration on the right knee to discourage infection and encourage healing.

Radiographs and Treatment

Not too long after her initial exam, radiographs were taken of TECA 25-2096 to determine the severity of her fractures. Three specific views were taken. There was a dorsoventral image, which looks down at 2096 from above, a left lateral image, taken from the right side of 2096, and a craniocaudal image, taken from in front of 2096 as if she was looking into a mirror. These three views are some of the most common views for turtles, allowing visualization of many important body parts and organs that cannot be visualized normally. The most beneficial view in 2096’s case was the dorsoventral view, which confirmed the fractures found on exam, and revealed two small fractures on the lateral most aspect of the right inguinal scute and a transverse fracture of the left inguinal scute. However, even with these numerous fractures, they were all minimally displaced and very superficial, meaning release was in the cards for 2096’s future. Post radiographs, the vetericyn spray was continued over the right hind limb laceration to encourage healing there, but the hydromorphone was switched to meloxicam (an anti-inflammatory) as the superficial fractures did not call for such strong pain medication.

Release

After nine days in the clinic, TECA 25-2096 was released into her habitat where she had been found in Tilton, Illinois. She was situated in an area of significant vegetation that bordered a small lake and was farther away from the road. Upon release, 2096 was eager to return to her home and quickly made her way into an area of high vegetation that allowed her to camouflage and hide within her new environment.

Works Cited

Eastern box turtle. Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. (2018, April 17). https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/eastern-box-turtle

Written By: Kat R., Class of 2028

Diagnostic Tools in Wildlife Medicine

Three young Great Horned Owls all peeking over one another.

Observation and Diagnostic Tools

When a good Samaritan brings in a Great horned owl that cannot fly or a lethargic Eastern box turtle with no apparent physical injuries to the Wildlife Medical Clinic, how do we determine what is going on with these patients? That’s where the problem-solving aspect of our work comes into play. In all fields of veterinary medicine, our patients cannot speak for themselves, and we must rely on clinical signs as well as the owner’s perspective of their pet’s behavior. However, wildlife patients are a little different in that they do not have owners who can speak for them. There are many different diagnostic tools we can utilize to aid in our understanding of what is going on with our patients, such as bloodwork and radiographs.

Bloodwork

In our bird and reptile species, bloodwork can be challenging to both perform and interpret due to a lack of reference intervals for every species and differences in cell morphology. Mammalian species have red blood cells that lack a nucleus. Birds and reptiles are special in that their red blood cells have a nucleus. This means that automated machines cannot accurately differentiate and count red blood cells and white blood cells. Anytime a blood sample is collected from a patient in the clinic, we want to manually determine a packed cell volume (PCV) and a total protein value (TP). We will also make a blood smear on a slide to later be evaluated under a microscope. In order to get the PCV and TP, we must first centrifuge the sample in a micro-hematocrit capillary tube which will separate the sample into 3 distinct layers. Red blood cells are at the bottom, white blood cells and platelets in the middle, and plasma at the top. We use a special card to aid in reading the PCV, or the percentage of red blood cells that are in the sample. Total protein is then measured by placing a drop of the plasma onto a tool called a refractometer. PCV and TP values can give us a clue on the hydration status of our patient as well as if they are anemic at that time. The blood smear mentioned before is used to evaluate cell presence and morphology. The presence of specific white blood cells can give us clues on if the patient has inflammation or even if there are microbial organisms within the cells. However, a challenge we often face in wildlife medicine is determining what values are normal as there often are no reference intervals available for many of the species we work with. Sometimes, we must make inferences based on what we already know about closely related species.

Radiographs

Another helpful tool we utilize often in all fields of veterinary medicine are radiographs. Any patients presenting with suspected orthopedic injuries will have images taken to be further assessed. We also take radiographs of birds who present with the inability to fly but have no obvious injuries to see if there are any fractures or dislocated joints. Radiographs can be helpful to determine the location and extent of these injuries so it can be decided whether or not the injury can be fixed. Imaging is also helpful for evaluating abnormalities in internal structures and can sometimes highlight the presence of metals that may have been ingested by the animal.

Conclusion

These diagnostic tests allow us to get one step closer to fixing our patients so they can be released back into the wild. Bloodwork and imaging are only two of the many tools available to us at the Wildlife Medical Clinic. If we suspect a specific disease, we can often run a specific test to either confirm our suspicions or rule that out. A closer look at what is happening inside of our patients, whether that is in their blood, skeletal system, or internal structures, can help guide us when creating treatment plans and determining a prognosis for our patients.

Written By: Grace M., Class of 2028

When a Shell, Isn’t Just a Shell

A Painted turtle being held by a person in gloves.

Intake

At the beginning of October, the Wildlife Medical Clinic welcomed a Painted Turtle brought in by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator from Illinois. Sadly, this patient had been the victim of a common — and often underestimated — threat to our native turtle populations: vehicle collision.

Many people are surprised to learn that when a turtle is hit by a car, the damage often goes far beyond what’s visible on the surface. A common misconception is that shell injuries aren’t serious. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.

Shell Damage Is Skeletal Damage

A turtle’s shell isn’t just a protective outer layer — it’s a vital part of their skeletal system. Their ribs and spine are fused directly to the shell, which means that any cracks or fractures are often accompanied by internal trauma.

Our Painted Turtle patient arrived with multiple shell fractures, affecting the carapace (top shell), plastron (bottom shell), and bridge (the sides of the shell that connect top and bottom). These injuries alone were concerning — but we knew there could be more going on beneath the surface.

Imaging Reveals Deeper Injuries

To assess the extent of internal trauma, we performed radiographs (x-rays). Unfortunately, the images revealed fractures to multiple bones of the pectoral girdle of both forelimbs. The pectoral girdle are bones near the shoulder that are essential for forelimb function. These types of internal injuries significantly complicate recovery and reduce the likelihood of successful release.

How Did We Approach This Tough Situation?

Reptiles like turtles have slow metabolic rates, meaning healing takes much longer than in mammals — often over a year for serious injuries. Surgical repair of the bones of the pectoral girdle is not feasible in turtles, though minor injuries can heal with time and rest. In this patient’s case, its injuries were catastrophic, impacting both forelimbs, and unlikely to result in a functional outcome for either forelimb. This species of aquatic turtle requires function of at least 3 of 4 limbs for success in the wild post-release. Additionally, severe trauma to the pectoral girdle is often accompanied by extensive trauma to the lungs, the cranial aspect of which are adjacent to these bony structures. While we evaluated options, we ensured the turtle had a quiet enclosure, pain management, and food.

A Difficult Final Decision

After much consideration, our veterinary team made the difficult decision to pursue humane euthanasia. While our clinic regularly treats turtles with shell and limb injuries — many of which go on to be successfully released — the severity of this patient’s internal injuries, paired with her lack of appetite and movement, made recovery highly unlikely.

Our goal is always to prioritize quality of life, and in this case, euthanasia was the most compassionate and medically appropriate choice.

What Can You Do?

During the fall, turtles often cross roads in search of overwintering sites. You
can help protect them by:

Slowing down and staying alert near wetlands, forests, or creeks
Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator if you find a turtle that appears injured — even if it seems like it’s okay. Prompt medical attention can make a life-saving difference.

Thank you for supporting our work and helping protect native wildlife through awareness, compassion, and action!

Written by: Natalie L., Class of 2028

Works Cited:

Hirasawa T., Nagashima H., Kuratani S. The endoskeletal origin of the turtle carapace. Nat Commun. 2013;4:2107. Retrieved October 17, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3715867/

Jackson DC. Hibernating without oxygen: physiological adaptations of the painted turtle. J Physiol. 2002 Sep 15;543(Pt 3):731-7. Retrieved October 17,2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2290531/

Virginia Zoo in Norfolk. Where did the turtles go for the winter? 2023 October 20. Retrieved October 17, 2025, from https://virginiazoo.org/where-did-the-turtles-go-for-the-winter

Invasive Species in Beautiful, Diverse Places

A gold dust day gecko resting upon a leaf.

Have you ever spotted an adorable animal wandering about and wondered where it came from, or what impact it might have on its surroundings? While many of these creatures appear harmless, some end up in environments where they don’t naturally belong. When this happens, they are called invasive species, often an uninvited guest that disrupts local ecosystems and threatens native wildlife.

Invasive species are animals that are not native to a specific location and can cause serious harm to the environment, economy, and native wildlife. These species are often introduced, sometimes intentionally, in an attempt to solve another problem, and other times accidentally, through travel, trade, or the pet industry.

I’m here to share a few invasive species that I’ve come across while living in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, Hawai‘i! Most people recognize the islands for their incredible natural beauty, lush landscapes, and diverse wildlife. Hawai‘i is home to over 25,000 unique species, and about 90% of its land animals and plants and more than a quarter of its marine life are found nowhere else in the world. This makes Hawai‘i’s ecosystems incredibly special, but also extremely fragile.

Because so many of these species evolved in isolation, they have no natural defense against new predators or competitors. When invasive species arrive, they often outcompete native animals for food and space, spread disease, or directly prey on species that have no way to protect themselves. Even a small change, like introducing one new predator or competitor, can throw off the delicate balance that has existed on the islands for thousands of years. That’s why understanding invasive species is so important, especially in a place as unique and vulnerable as Hawai‘i. Protecting these ecosystems helps ensure that the islands’ native plants and animals can continue to thrive for generations to come.

Trouble in Paradise: The Mongoose, Day Gecko, and Feral Pigs

Mongoose

A mongoose is a small terrestrial mammal from the Herpestidae family that looks similar to a weasel or ferret. They have a carnivorous diet and are famous for their resistance to snake venom and their ability to kill venomous snakes. The mongoose was introduced to Hawai‘i in an attempt to control the rat population, which was wreaking havoc on sugarcane fields. Since mongooses prey on rats, it seemed like a simple solution. However, this plan backfired because rats are nocturnal, meaning they’re active at night, while mongooses are diurnal or active during the day. As a result, mongooses couldn’t effectively reduce the rat population, since the rats were never awake during the mongoose’s active hours. Instead, mongooses turned to preying on Hawai‘i’s native species, disrupting local ecosystems. Their presence caused the populations of several native species to decline dramatically, so much so that special fencing had to be installed around nature reserves and sanctuaries to keep mongoose out and protect vulnerable wildlife.

Gecko

The gold dust day gecko and giant day gecko are two more invasive species affecting Hawai‘i’s native wildlife. These brightly colored lizards may look beautiful, but their introduction has made competition for food and territory much more difficult for native species. The geckos were first brought to the islands unintentionally by early Polynesian settlers, likely stowing away on voyaging canoes. More recently, they have been introduced through the pet trade, either by accidental escape or intentional release. A significant modern population of gold dust day geckos can actually be traced back to a University of Hawai‘i student, who released eight geckos in 1974. Since then, their numbers have spread rapidly across the islands. These invasive geckos compete with native insects and smaller lizards for food, and they can outcompete or displace native species due to their adaptability and fast reproduction. Their growing presence continues to challenge Hawai‘i’s delicate ecosystems, where even small changes can have lasting impacts.

Feral Pigs

Feral pigs are another major invasive species in Hawai‘i. Originally brought to the islands by Polynesian settlers and later by European explorers, these pigs have become one of the most destructive animals in the islands’ ecosystems. Their rooting and digging behavior uproots native plants, damages crops, and creates large muddy wallows that contribute to soil erosion and flooding. They also disturb the natural habitats of native animals by destroying nests and burrows. Feral pigs will even go after ground-nesting birds, pushing them out of their homes and eating their eggs. Even worse, their wallowing pools create perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes that spread avian malaria, a deadly disease for Hawai‘i’s native forest birds. Because of their size and adaptability, controlling feral pig populations is extremely difficult, and their impact continues to threaten forests, watersheds, and native wildlife.

Preventing the Spread of Invasive Species

Moving animals, whether intentionally or accidentally, is one of the main ways invasive species spread. It’s important to be cautious when transporting any living creature between regions or countries, as this can introduce species to new environments where they have no natural predators or competitors to keep their populations in check which can disrupt entire ecosystems and native species.

What might seem harmless, such as releasing a pet into the wild, can actually cause serious harm not only to the pet but to the environment. Even seemingly harmless animals can disrupt ecosystems or outcompete native wildlife. The best way to help is to always rehome pets responsibly instead of releasing them.

When hiking or traveling, respect local wildlife regulations and avoid feeding or disturbing wild animals. These small actions help maintain balance within ecosystems and protect native species from being displaced by newcomers.

Education also plays a huge role. The more people understand local ecosystems and invasive species, the better equipped we all are to prevent their spread. Sharing what you learn with friends, family, and your community can make a lasting difference in protecting native wildlife, whether in Hawai‘i or anywhere else in the world.

While it might seem like the challenges of invasive species are far away in tropical Hawai‘i, this issue affects every corner of the world, including right here in Illinois. Feral pigs aren’t just a problem in Hawai‘i; they’re an issue here in Illinois too. Every region around the world faces its own challenges with invasive species, and their presence can cause significant changes to the environment. Whether you live on an island or in the Midwest, being aware of how species travel and spread helps protect the natural places we all love. Simple choices, like cleaning your hiking boots, not releasing pets into the wild, and supporting local conservation efforts, can make a real difference. By learning from places like Hawai‘i, we can take steps to protect Illinois’ own beautiful and diverse environments for future generations.

Written by: Gabriella N., Class of 2028

Turtles, Bunnies, and Cats, Oh My!

A painted turtle in the water, holding onto a rock with head above the water.

Why is it so important to keep our domestic animals inside and on a leash?

While pets love to have outside time and their pet owners love it too, it is important to be aware of your pet’s activities and supervise their time outdoors. They may come across wildlife that will not be as keen to meet them as they are to meet the wildlife! At the University of Illinois Wildlife Medical Clinic, we get many cases of cats and dogs interacting with wildlife that require our medical management. It is important to note that this can be risky both for our native wildlife and for our pets as well. The best way to limit interaction is to keep cats indoors or in a catio and walk dogs on a leash, even in the backyard.

What do we see most often at the clinic?

Throughout the year, we see Eastern Cottontail rabbits present to the clinic for different severities of wounds, including lacerations and broken bones often from being attacked by feral or outdoor domestic cats as well as domestic dogs. Treating patients who have been bitten or scratched by a cat can be challenging, and they must receive antibiotics promptly because cats harbor a bacterium called Pasteurella multocida. This specific bacterium can cause severe inflammation, redness, and even septicemia if it infects the bloodstream in rabbits, as well as our other mammalian and avian patients.

Along with rabbits, we also receive cases of turtles that sustain shell fractures when they are picked up by dogs. An example of this is Painted Turtle 25-966, who has been in our care since early June 2025, presenting to the clinic for several carapacial puncture wounds and shell fractures. The carapace is the upper portion of a turtle’s shell. After the initial intake exam, this patient was given the appropriate pain medication, antibiotics, and wound treatment. 25-996 will continue to heal in our care over winter, as it can take several months for these types of shell injuries to mend! He has been healing well, and the veterinary staff have seen positive improvements in his shell in the few months he has been with us.

How does all of this affect my pet?

While the Wildlife Medical Clinic does not treat domestic animals like our small animal medicine
colleagues do, we think it’s important to share how your furry family members can be adversely affected by wildlife interactions.

One type of infection that companion animals can pick up from wildlife is Salmonella. When dogs pick turtles up in their mouths, whether or not they think they look like their tennis ball or not, they can be susceptible to contracting an infection. Symptoms from this type of infection can include, but are not limited to, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and lethargy.

Tularemia can also be a concern for outdoor cats and dogs that interact with wild rabbits in Illinois. This can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected rabbit or their body fluids, infected water sources, or blood sucking insects like ticks. Tularemia is a highly zoonotic disease (meaning it can spread between species and, in this case, to humans as well) and can cause symptoms such as fever, lethargy, poor appetite, enlarged lymph nodes, and abscesses. In humans, Tularemia can also present as ulcerating blisters that can spread the bacteria throughout the bloodstream.

What about birds? With the cooler season approaching, it is important to be aware of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or HPAI. While the name suggests, birds are the main susceptible species, cases have been seen in both cats and dogs, as well as people. One of the best ways to prevent your pets from contracting this influenza strain is by keeping pets indoors. Many cats and dogs outside may be attracted to birds, diseased or alive, or bird feces left behind, which can lead to the transmission of HPAI if touched or consumed. The main type of bird affected is waterfowl, but HPAI can be seen in any bird, including raptors and songbirds. Clinical signs in dogs and cats can consist of fever, lethargy, watery eyes, runny nose, difficulty breathing, and seizures.

If your pet interacts with any wildlife or is presenting with any symptoms, it is important to consult your primary veterinarian.

Helpful Links

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/tularemia-in-dogs

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/avian-influenza/avian-influenza-companion-animals

Written by: Emily B., Class of 2028

Overwintering a Three-toed Box Turtle

Three toed box turtle patient sitting in the grass outside.

Meet TECA 25-1413

This unique patient is a three-toed box turtle that was brought into the Wildlife Medical Clinic from Missouri after being hit by a vehicle this past summer. Box turtles are remarkably durable due to their strong, bony shell–a protective feature normally used to keep them safe from natural predators and the elements in the wild. Incredible as these animals are, they unfortunately aren’t invincible and the same goes for this guy.

His Medical Journey

Three toed box turtle patient with carapace damage that has been repaired.

When he was first brought to our care, our veterinary team had identified fractures along the back of his shell which we had carefully and deliberately removed to allow for proper healing. We also noticed he could not fully extend his left hind leg. After following up with radiographs, we discovered fractures around his pelvis and his left femur. To improve his ability to ambulate the leg, we performed a femoral head ostectomy at the end of July. This procedure removes the end of the femur bone with the goal to stabilize the hip joint in order to help alleviate pain and improve mobility. His recovery has been promising so far–a combination of physical therapy and outdoor enrichment time has led to some notable improvement in ambulation, which is wonderful! He is being overwintered at the Wildlife Medical Clinic and will stay with us until he is fully healed and deemed releasable by our veterinary staff.

Overwintering

So, what is overwintering? Overwintering is when we keep patients in rehabilitative care throughout winter until we reach warm spring temperatures. We choose overwintering for some of the species that present to the clinic who are unable to be released during the fall or winter either due to migration patterns or, as in the case with this three-toed turtle, due to brumation tendencies. Since they are cold-blood species, if turtles and other brumation species are released in too-cold temperatures, they are at risk for cold-stunning which leaves them weak and vulnerable or can make it difficult to find a safe brumation site. Turtles tend to do well while overwintering and we commonly have them in our care due to their prolonged healing times. Certain species or individuals may not do well overwintering due to the high stress nature of captive care to our wild friends. When considering if an animal should be overwintered, we have to keep a few items in mind. Firstly, do we have the ability to maintain an appropriate level of care for the animal’s entire duration of stay. Secondly, will the animals welfare will be severely impacted by extended captive care. Lastly, do we expect a full recovery and to release the patient at the end of the overwintering period. Overwintering is not always a simple decision, but it is a wonderful option for the patients that need just a little extra time to get back to 100%!

Written By: Zoey W., Class of 2028

Happy New Year

Small mouth salamander with soil and mulch stuck to it sitting on a gloved hand.

The page has turned and the Wildlife Medical Clinic is excited to embark on yet another year tending and caring for our local wildlife. With every new year, there is value in taking time to reflect on the past. In 2025, the Wildlife Medical Clinic provided care to over 2,000 members of our wildlife community, 2,305 to be exact! This endeavor would not have been possible without our good samaritans, veterinary student volunteers, faculty, and staff. A warm thank you to everyone that has been involved with the Wildlife Medical Clinic, whether it has been transporting an animal, feeding an orphan squirrel, cleaning a cage, or making a donation – your generosity cannot be understated.

Let us take a look back on 2025 with some exciting statistics.

Mink positioned on an x-ray plate for radiographs with 4 wildlife medical clinic volunteers monitoring him.

We saw…

1,432 mammals consisting of 23 different species
792 avians consisting of 86 different species
56 reptiles consisting of 11 different species
4 amphibians consisting of 3 different species

Our top 5 most seen species in 2025 were:

Eastern Cottontail – 536
Virginia Opossum – 264
- One of these patients became one of our newest ambassador animals, Pesto!
Eastern Grey Squirrel – 216
Raccoon – 204
Canada Goose – 92

Dr. Vincent and Riley Dunwoody ultrasounding a bobcat patient from the Wildlife Medical Clinic.

As with any year, there are also some exciting surprises! Below are some of the more unique animals we helped care for this year!

Bobcat
American White Pelican
American Coot
Small-mouthed Salamander
American Mink
Barn Owl

Written By: Rachel E., Class of 2027

Winter Survival Secrets: How Animals Make It Through the Cold

Join Wildlife Medical Clinic Program Coordinator, Sydney Oliveira, as she plays some trivia on CiLiving to discuss common ways various wildlife survive the cold, winter months.