Osprey

Ok, no, we're not starting to get in to the exotic pet medicine business. But sometimes we like to donate services to non-profit groups, including those that take care of wildlife or exotic species. Dr. Grafinger in particular enjoys working with these species, and he has plenty of experience.

Recently, there was a tornado in Person County. Apparently an osprey was caught in this tornado and was found amongst some downed trees. Unfortunately, the bird had a broken wing. Local officials transferred him to the care of CLAWS, a licensed wildlife rehabilitation group. CLAWS asked us to help them care for the osprey.

Above: 'Oz' has a bandage on the injured wing. Notice the heavy gloves on her handler? The claws are the dangerous bits; the beak is not nearly as dangerous (although still capable of inflicting serious injury).

Above: Try not to let a raptor get those talons in your arm, face, hands, etc!

Due to the severity of the injury (the radius was broken in one place, the ulna was broken in 3 places, and the skin was lacerated), the decision was made to amputate the limb. This is a serious decision, because it means that 'Oz' (get it? - tornado, Wizard of Oz, OZ -prey?) will not be able to be released back into the wild. But, amputation will save her life. Fixing the limb would have been theoretically possible, but this is not an easy process for the patient, nor is a satisfactory outcome guaranteed. Complications are frequent (and uncomfortable for the bird) when trying to fix a complicated fracture such as this one. Amputation was the most humane option available.

Above: Dr. Grafinger evaluates the wing while Oz is under anesthesia.

Above: The arrows point to the fracture sites.

Oz is thought to be a female due to her relatively large size for an osprey (females are larger than males in many bird species). She will live a life of education - CLAWS helps to educate people about wildlife, and seeing a raptor up close and personal can be a very educational experience!

Above: Oz begins to wake up from anesthesia. Her handler will have his gloves on before she wakes up!

Thanks CLAWS, for helping Oz and all of the other needy animals!

Save the birds!

It happens to many of us - you hear the thump, you see the feathers on the window, and then you see the small body on the ground outside. Some researchers estimate that nearly 100 million birds a year are killed by window impacts in the Americas.

Now a young man in Ottawa has invented a product that may help to reduce those numbers. Window stickers that are treated with fluorescent ultraviolet paint are nearly invisible to humans but show up clearly to bird vision.

These stickers are available in many bird supply stores and online. Get yours today!