The Art of Wildlife Practice

T.B. Schotman
Lake Wales Veterinary Hospital, Lake Wales, FL, USA.
The definition of "art" includes the use of human ingenuity, skill, craft, and cunning in
adapting natural things to mans use. Veterinary medicine as applied to wildlife
certainly is an art form. The species that can be presented to the compassionate
veterinarian who is interested in helping wildlife can include various reptiles, birds and
mammals. A "Field Guide" may be useful to help identify species in order to investigate
specifics of diet or management. Handling, restraint, anesthesia, medications,
diagnosis, surgery, nutrition/feeding, and housing are just a few of the challenges on
the learning curve, but the satisfaction of releasing a wild animal back to its habitat
makes it worthwhile.
At the Lake Wales Veterinary Hospital (LWVH), trauma is the most common presenting
problem, however, cases of infectious disease, toxicities, cancer, parasitism, and
nutritional problems have come through the door. Unfortunately, trauma from
roadways, boats or bullets often result in death. Severely injured or terminally ill
animals are euthanized to minimize suffering.
Internet access has significantly improved availability of information on the various
species that may be presented, but a close relationship with other experienced
veterinarians and a friendly association with one or more local, licensed rehabilitators is
essential to the successful treatment and release of injured or diseased wildlife. Other
than animals that are kept as pets, in zoo exhibits, or for educational purposes, the
goal of this artful practice is to release animals back to the wild. Unless a practice has
specific facilities for rehabilitation, most cases will need to be nursed back to releasable
condition at facilities appropriate to house them, and by people experienced and
interested in their care ( i.e. an American Eagle requires a flight cage 100 X 20" X 16
according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife standards). State and federal regulations require
that rehabilitators be licensed, while a veterinarian providing initial and follow-up care
or euthanization does not need to maintain a "rehab" license.
Wildlife presents to the LWVH two ways. Captive specimens either privately "owned" or
those used for educational purposes are scheduled for an appointment and usually
allotted a 30 minute time slot. Based on history, obvious clinical signs, and particular
species or temperament, specific diagnostics and treatments are choreographed to
allow efficient achievement of goals without undue stress to the animal. Physical
restraint is often replaced by sedation, immobilization or anesthesia, depending on the
situation. These cases are interesting in that a history may include nutritional
management, housing, age, parasite control, and other items that may help in making a
diagnosis and making a treatment/management plan. Ideally examination, diagnostics
and treatment can be initiated with one episode of "handling". These clients are
charged normal fees for veterinary services.
The following examples represent typical cases.
Case 1: A licensed Falconer presented a young (~1 year old), recently captured RedTailed Hawk that was non-weight bearing on the right leg. The history indicated that
nutrition, housing, and management were excellent. Since the bird was calm and
tractable, physical restraint (I prefer a towel/blanket over gloves! ) allowed palpation of
a tibio-tarsal fracture and radiography of the lesion. The fracture was closed, simple
and obligue. Anesthesia was achieved with Isoflurane using a mask and a blindfold,

maintaining at 3%. After surgical preparation, a 1/8 inch intramedullary pin was
antegraded through both fragments, seated and countersunk to prevent interference
with the tarsal joint or soft tissues. The skin was closed with methylmethacrylate skin
glue. The jessup (leather leg restraint ) was removed from the right leg. The bird was
sent home with 1 month of restricted activity, which included minimal handling and a
small cage. After one month, a repeat radiograph revealed a completely healed
fracture site with minimal callous formation. For one month afterwards, the hawk was
gradually increased in exercise and had a complete recovery. The owner demonstrated
the birds hunting ability after several months by allowing it to catch a cottontail rabbit in
the field behind the veterinary hospital.
Case 2: A local zoo presented a captive Peregrine Falcon for evaluation of a wound.
This bird had an old wing injury and was not releasable, but was acceptable for display
as an educational specimen. Keepers had found evidence of blood on the birds
underside that morning. This animal was extremely nervous and prone to selfmutilation if stressed. The bird was restrained and immediately masked with Isoflurane.
A 4 cm. skin laceration was prepped and sutured using 3-0 Dexon absorbable suture in
a simple interrupted, sub-cuticular pattern with skin glue for closure. The bird was given
enrofloxacin by injection (10 mg/kg) and sent home with oral enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg,
b.i.d.). The keepers reported no problems and normal wound healing.
Case 3: A Striped Skunk was brought in as an emergency. The 12-week-old female
showed severe respiratory distress with an elevated rectal temperature (106 F),
anorexia and depression. A pet store purchase, the animal was one of over 100 farm
raised baby skunks distributed to various Florida pet shops by an animal dealer. This
animal had a history of rectal prolapse, coccidiosis, and vaccinations for Canine
Distemper , Adenovirus type-2, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, and feline Panleukopenia,
Calicivirus, Rhinotracheitis and Chlamydia. Vaccinations were administered
approximately 2 weeks prior to presentation. Fecal exam revealed abundant coccidian
oocyst with a mucousy, blood-flecked stool. Treatment for dehydration, fever,
coccidiosis, diarrhea, and respiratory infection resulted in temporary improvement.
Cytology of conjunctival scrapings revealed eosinophilic inclusion bodies. The skunk
began showing central nervous system signs including seizures, blindness,
ophisthotonus and was euthanized. Post mortem examination revealed severe
pneumonia, enteritis, and congestion and inflammation around the brain.
Histopathology confirmed inclusion bodies typical of Canine Distemper (urinary bladder
is an excellent tissue). Contact was made with other stores that sold skunks from the
same dealer. Multiple animals were lost with similar histories and clinical findings. This
scenario is typical of iatrogenic Canine Distemper due to initial vaccination with a
modified live viral vaccine. While skunks are very susceptible to Canine Distemper,
vaccination should be done with a killed product, or one approved for use in Ferrets.
Recombinant Canarypox vectored Canine Distemper vaccine is safe and effective.
Vaccination of all susceptible wildlife species should be done with "safe" vaccine. This
applies to wolves, coyote, foxes, raccoons, otters and other mustelids.
Wild animals are almost always injured or debilitated, the exceptions biegn "orphaned"
babies such as song birds, squirrels, or opossum. Rarely is there a forewarning to
prepare for, and upon arrival, the whole hospital is disrupted with the emergency
entrance of an injured "Bald Eagle". This usually requires an immediate response, as
the person who found the bird by the roadside wants the trash can back that was used
to "catch" and transport the bird. Identification of the species and initial restraint allows

for a brief exam and a quick formulation of a plan of action. The history is typically
limited to where and when the bird was found. The name and phone number of the
concerned person is recorded to enable a call back with a thank you and an outcome.
The "Bald Eagle" usually turns out to be an Osprey. After initial triage and diagnostic
work-up, a plan for treatment can be formulated. If the injuries are severe enough to
indicate that the animal cannot be "repaired" and rehabilitated for release back to the
wild, then euthanization should be accomplished as soon as possible, unless a
specimen can be salvaged for educational purposes. Federal permits are required for
possession of a permanently disabled bird for educational purposes. Contact with
licensed rehabilitators may elucidate possible opening for educational birds. Since
there is no owner or client to pay for the veterinary services, efficient use of hospital
resources will help defray the costs. Appreciation for care of wildlife at LWVH is usually
in the form of food for the staff. Many people are disappointed when they are told that
they cannot (by law) take the owl or hawk home as a pet.
Unfortunately, most wildlife that can be caught and transported to the veterinarians
office is injured so severely that saving or fixing them is not possible. This is especially
true for large birds such as Sandhill Cranes, Great Blue Herons and raptors. While
repair and release is very rewarding, the percentages of success are low. Initial
treatment for shock, hypo- or hyperthermia, and dehydration may be all that some
cases require.
Nutritional support and time will save others. Some injuries may need multiple
anesthesia events and procedures. Each case will determine what is needed or
possible in terms of veterinary involvement. Apparently healthy orphan baby birds,
squirrels and opossum are transferred to the rehabber as soon as possible. Orphans of
some species such as swallows, chimney sweeps and wading birds require expertise
and very specifics diets and feeding protocol.
The following cases illustrate actual wildlife cases.
Case 4: An American Eagle was picked up by a rehabilitator after a call from a
concerned driver-by. The bird was in shock and non-responsive with evidence of a
fractured wing, likely hit by a car as the bird was found near the roadway. The bird
responded to fluid therapy and normalization of the body temperature. Anesthesia with
Isoflurane was initiated and a work-up including radiographs, fecal, packet cell volume,
total protein, physical exam, and treatment for lice (pyrethrin spray). The bird was
weighed, given fluids (saline, 35 ml. intravenously and 35 ml. subcutaneously),
dexamethasone (0.25 mg/kg), enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg) and ivermectin ( 200 mcg/kg).
The radiographs revealed an open, simple and transverse fracture of the humerus at
mid shaft. No other significant pathology was observed. The wound was cleaned and
debrided and the wing placed in a light sling. The following day the eagle was much
stronger and eagerly ate several mice and a small perch. Later, anesthesia was
accomplished, and the wing prepped for surgery, sparing as many flight feathers as
possible. An intramedullary pin was retrograded which stabilized the fracture without
the need for other fixation. The wound was closed with subcutaneous absorbable
suture (Vicril 2-0). The wing was wrapped to the body to limit movement. The bird was
transferred to a rehabilitator and responded well to a small confinement (3 X 4" X 6),
daily wound care and enrofloxacin. Radiographs at 3 weeks post-op revealed a healing
fracture site. Six weeks later the pins was removed, and the bird was moved gradually
to larger enclosures and was allowed to kill its prey. Three months later the bird was
successfully released.

Case 5: A large egg was brought in by a 6th grader and his mother. It had been found
on the shore of a nearby lake, away from any possible nest sites. This was a Great
Blue Heron egg and was hatching! The puppy incubator was converted into a brooder
and everyone watched the emergence of this strange creature. No problems were
noted so the chick was transferred to the rehabber. Four weeks later the chick
presented with deformed and curled toes, but was otherwise happy and healthy. The
fish making up most of the diet were farm raised and apparently imbalanced in
calcium/phosphorus. The diet was changed to "wild" fish, commercial pelleted feed,
insects, a calcium supplement and an avian vitamin. The chick thrived and was
released when in full flight. It is seen regularly on the local lakeshore.
Case 6: The cardboard box left at the hospital entrance early one morning contained a
large female Gopher Tortoise (8kg). The note on the box revealed where and when the
turtle was found, but no other information. After cleaning the blood off of the carapace,
a fracture of the anterior edge of the shell was apparent. The damage was minimal and
limited to the shell, with minor abrasions on the front legs. After disinfection, the
fracture was reduced and repaired with a liberal coating of dental acrylic. Enrofloxacin
(15 mg/kg) was administered IM in divided sites. After the acrylic hardened, the area
was smoothed with a rotary sander. After 2 weeks the tortoise as released near where
it was found. Most hit-by-car turtles and tortoises are severely injured and should be
euthanized. Lethal injection can be given intracoelomically if no other routes are
apparent. Rehab of severely injured animals can take long periods of time before
release is possible.
The "art" of wildlife practice lies in the inherent variability, difficulty, spontaneity, and
severity of the animals that are presented for care. The rewards are not in profit, but in
satisfaction. The public awareness of concern and care for wildlife at the LWVH has
been an immeasurable practice builder.