Case Study: "SPUNK"  Barred Owl #10-100

 
 

Background:	barbed wire fencing victim - desperate attempts to struggle loose destroyed the left wing from elbow to wing tip, leaving only exposed bone found huddled under bush in open field by hikers delivered by Quebec Ministry of Fish and Wildlife
Examination:	major trauma to left wing - no hope of ever flying again - injury at least 10 days old amazing that the wing damage had not activated an acute systemic infection! starvation from lack of food and inability to hunt
Comments:	in severe cases such as this, it is often kinder to humanely euthanize the suffering bird.  However this particular owl charted her own destiny within minutes.  While she was being examined this placid owl had quietly 'cased the joint', spotted another bird in a nearby cage (Dinner!...she thought), and oblivious to all discomfort, CAME TO LIFE!  With total respect for the owl's 'spunk', and considering her obvious determination to survive, treatment was initiated.
Treatment:	The bird was fed immediately.  Because she was so emaciated, small amounts of food were initially given, to avoid shock to her system.  Correcting the starvation problem took two weeks. Surgery was scheduled, but proved unnecessary.  The exposed bone simply dried up and fell off.  At this point, her wing 'stub' was sutured over to prevent infection to underlying bone and surrounding tissue.  She over wintered at the Centre to reduce cold temperature sensitivity to the damaged wing. Our feisty lady owl was given a well deserved name: 'SPUNK'!
Transfer:	To Ministry of Natural Resources Conservation Centre - Spring 1991. While SPUNK can never again enjoy the wind beneath her wings, she will always receive top-flight food and care, and the opportunity to become a foster parent for orphan barred owlets, or become part of a captive breeding program so that her future off-spring can grace our Canadian wilderness.