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mrsD · 05-29-2008, 06:14 AM

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Quote:

UPDATE: May 28 2008, 3:00pm
by Dr. Dave McRuer, Director of Veterinary Services at the Wildlife Center of Virginia

We performed an in-house test of the eaglet's blood for lead (a common contaminant that brings Bald Eagles to our Center). The levels were below detection, indicating that this is not a contributing factor causing the mass on the beak. Blood was taken today for several other tests aimed at ruling out an environmental source. These tests include a panel looking for heavy-metal contamination and organophosphates, a common group of chemicals used in pesticides. Results should be in by the end of the week.

The mass itself continues to grow. A swelling has recently developed on the roof of the mouth, directly under the soft tissue mass. This swelling was not present when the bird arrived at Wildlife Center and is not encouraging. In addition, the top beak has begun to deviate in the direction of the mass leaving the tip of the beak at least 1/4 inch to the left of the same point on the bottom beak. Our theory is that with the disruption in the bone under the mass, the growth of the beak has slowed down compared to the same bone on the right side of the beak. As a result, the healthy right side is literally pushing/curving the upper beak to the left.

Our current treatment plan includes antibiotics to help fight secondary bacterial infections, antifungal drugs to prevent the occurrence of aspergillosis (a common fungal disease in raptors that are enduring stress), and medications to help boost the immune system. The mass is also being scrubbed daily with iodine to slow its growth and help keep any open wounds clean. We are still awaiting authorization to release biopsy results from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.