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WILDLIFE MEDICAL PROBLEMS
SICK AND INJURED ANIMALS
Injured animal overview
It is very Important that an injured animal gets help as quickly as possible. Since shock alone can often kill an animal, It must be kept warm, quiet and away from people. Be sure realize that injured animals can be very dangerous, even when they appear unconscious.
Sick or injured birds
Birds in particular, are very susceptible to shock. If possible, immediately place the injured bird in a warm, dark, quiet, ventilated container and get it to someone who can treat It. A heating pad on the low setting underneath a towel should provide sufficient warmth. Birds that have been attacked by cats must be treated with antibiotics as soon as possible. If the bird is a songbird, contact your local veterinarian they may have a rehabilitators number.
Sick or injured mammals
Remember, sick or injured mammals can be very dangerous. If you have a small mammal such as a rabbit or squirrel, have the caller contain the animal and take It to one of the sick or Injured mammal rehabilitators as soon as possible. Do not attempt to capture larger mammals such as raccoons or coyotes.
Sick or injured reptiles
All calls for sick or injured snakes or lizards to a reptile rehabilitator. Try the Human Society or your local Veterinarian first.
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This is not a complete list of injuries and diseases, but a brief list of the more common medical problems.
INJURED BIRDS
Broken wing/leg - Requires x-ray to determine if fractured. Fractured bones may have to be surgically pinned.
Broken back - Bird/mammal may lose feeling and/or use of its legs.
Head injury - Swelling in the head may cause paralysis. May have central nervous system disorder. Head may tilt to one side (cranial tilt). Pupils may be dilated. Requires x-ray.
Gunshot wound - Sometimes pellets enter and exit or be lodged. X-rays are required.
Poisoning - Central nervous system disorder. Cannot stand due to temporary paralysis.
Cat Mauling - These wounds are not always obvious. Puncture wounds can damage vital organs. Watch for infection.
Oiled birds - A soap (Dawn detergent) and water solution is used to remove the oil.
MEDICAL PROBLEMS - DISEASES
This is not a complete list of diseases that raptors are susceptible to, but a list of some common medical problems we encounter at Liberty Wildlife. Lab tests (blood, fecal, tissue studies) are necessary to properly diagnose a disease.
ASPERGILLOSIS: A fungal infection of the respiratory system. The spores of the fungus are found all over the world and the disease is contracted by both wild and captive birds. Spores are found in moist hay, feed, and animal debris. The most common route of infection is by inhalation of airborne spores.
AVIAN POX: Pox manifests itself in several ways. The most easily noticed is an inflammatory swelling of small lumps on exposed areas such as the feet, face, and vent. This cutaneous form begins as tiny white bumps, becoming larger and changing color to yellowish or pink. Finally, they form a dark tough, brown scab. The scabs that drop off naturally leave smooth scar tissue underneath. This form is called "dry pox." The opposite form, "wet pox," is caused by the same virus but affects the mucus membranes of the mouth, throat, and nasal passages. It starts as tiny white nodules and may later become larger yellow cheesy areas lining the mouth.
BUMBLE FOOT: A term used for foot problems in raptors. Clinical signs may vary according to the stage of infection. Bumblefoot can involve a swollen metatarsal pad with or without a small ulcerative lesion and can spread to involve the entire toe, including the tendon if not treated.
CAPILLARIA: Caused by round worms. Infestation by ingesting infected food, contaminated water or eating earthworms. Diagnosis by fecal examination. Affected birds may show caseous growths in the mouth (resembles trichomoniasis), birds become weak, emaciated, and may extend and retract their heads after -eating. Casted pellets may be poorly formed.
COCCIDIOSIS: A protozoa infection of the lower digestive tract. Causes extensive destruction of intestinal walls and diarrhea results. Infection is by ingesting food or water that has been -contaminated by feces. The most obvious clinical sign of coccidiosis is seeing small red dots in the mutes of the bird. These red spots are specks of blood. Fecal examination can. determine the presence of oocysts.
ENDOPAAASITES: Round worm and tape worm infestations can occur in raptors. These internal parasites usually become a problem secondarily to other infections or medical problems. Weakness, diarrhea, and weight loss are symptoms of internal parasites. Routine cleanliness of housing areas and removal of uneaten food can be helpful in preventing these problems.
GAPEWORM: Caused by the roundworm Syngamus trachea. Infection is by eating infected food or drinking infected water. A pea-sized lesion may appear in the throat (trachea). Young birds are usually the most seriously affected. The rapidly growing gapeworms may obstruct the trachea, causing the bird to gape or gasp.
TRICHOMONIASIS (Frounce, Canker): A protozoan infection of the upper digestive tract. Cause is from eating other infected birds such as doves, pigeons, or other seed-eaters, or from vitamin deficiency. This disease is highly contagious. Symptoms: lesions and inflammation of the mouth, throat, and crop. Blockage of the esophagus by these lesions can cause a bird to starve to death, and blockage of the windpipe can cause suffocation. Look for lesions on the floor and the roof of the mouth. The infection appears as a whitish or yellowish cheesy-like mass.