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Originally Posted by Kobi
Recent radiographs show improvement in the infected bone. A bacterial culture was taken today from the bone to see how well the antibiotics are working and we expect to have those test results back next week. He remains bright, alert and gripping with both talons. The eaglet remains outside in the small flight enclosure where it has been standing and perching.
We will have another update on Monday. If anything should change in his status before then we will be sure to let you know. |
Lil Guy needs a heavy dose of antibiotics to treat the infection in the injured bone.
However, bird bones are some of the hardest things to treat with heavy drugs, further complicating his recovery. Three different types of “very bad bacteria” were cultured from his infected bone, said CROW hospital director, Heather Barron.
“They are what we call multi-drug resistant,” she explained.
Antibiotics don’t always penetrate into the bone very well and unlike humans, it’s a complicated scenario the way birds’ bones work,” Barron said. “The side bone and upper arm bone communicate with the respiratory system.”
The antibiotics he’s on presents an additional type of challenge.
A lot is unknown and there can also be potential powerful side effects.
“In particular, it’s very difficult on the kidneys,” Barron said.
But she says right now he is doing just fine. Staff makes sure he stays hydrated, which helps make sure his kidneys stay healthy. It’s too early to tell whether he will return to the great open air.
Usually, Barron said, a normal cycle for the drug lasts about 4-6 weeks.
“But we’re hoping because that particular type of drug is so difficult on the kidneys, we can get the infection under control sooner,” she said.
If the antibiotics do their job without harming his kidneys, CROW will need to make sure he is a strong flyer and he’ll have to show that he’s capable of hunting on his own before he can be integrated back into the wild.
Barron said it might still take a few weeks to build up his strength.
He’s still getting physical therapy on his leg,” she said.
The process is remarkably similar to the same grueling regime humans go through. First doctors give him something to relax, like a Valium.
Then he’ll get pain medication, Barron said, if the session is going to be extra painful.
“It’s just like we do it in people,” she said. “We’ll work out his full range of motion. Use hot or cold packs.”
His injured leg is still a tiny fraction shorter than the other one, but Barron doesn’t think it will impede his ability to hunt and survive in the wild.
His wound is still healing, she said, but otherwise, he is bright and alert and eating very well, and flying around his cage.
CROW wants to put a federal leg band on Little Guy if he’s released so they can identify him in the future.
They don’t have a license to put a band on him, but Barron said she’s thinking about reaching out to other places like the Audubon Society for help.