corvid-isle.wiki

This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong.
====== Rook Isla ======
 
===== Introduction =====

{{ :rook_isla.jpeg?200|}}Isla joined us in June 2022 as a nestling after being rescued by well-meaning but inexperienced people. We do not know a lot about Isla’s story other than that she has been found as a presumed orphan. We understand that the carer struggled increasingly to raise Isla. Eventually, two weeks later, the carer brought Isla to a local bird rescue. The team recognised immediately that Isla was in great trouble, and that she would require long term care. Subsequently, we have been asked to take Isla into our care, which we did.

===== Coexistence of Multiple Health Conditions =====

At admission Isla showed signs of a generalised infection. She was very lethargic and dehydrated. We found extensive soft tissue swellings involving hock, ankle and foot joints whilst sparing all wing joints. Several small pressure sores were already present. Obscured by the marked joint swelling, we also noticed an unusual deformity of Isla’s right-sided hock and ankle joint being suggestive of older fractures.
During further careful physical examination we found a lack of sensation and power in the injured right foot combined with a general weakness of both upper legs. These findings were rather suggestive of a combination of two pathologies. One being a spinal trauma, the other being direct nerve damage by a fracture fragment

===== Missed Chances =====

In conclusion it seems likely that Isla did fall out of her nest and suffered multiple injuries. Her situation then got worse due to a generalised systemic infection probably facilitated by her deteriorating immune system. We treated Isla accordingly, and it took more than four weeks of intensive treatment to successfully eliminate the infection and even longer for the pressure sores to heal. The treatment of her fractures was only partly successful, mainly due to the fact that the fractures were missed and not treated in time. Subsequently, the resulting nerve damage resolved only partly.

Sadly, fractures are commonly overlooked by unexperienced carers. This happens often with nestlings. Nestling naturally spend a considerable amount of time laying in their nest without moving a lot about. This is why these fractures are often being missed, when birds like Isla are not being thoroughly assessed in a timely fashion.

===== Isla’s Future =====

We are more than happy to give Isla a second chance and a permanent home. Isla does cope extremely well with her impairment. It never stops to amaze us when we are privileged to care for birds like Isla. It is very emotional to witness their strong will to live and their ability to adapt. It is such a joy for us to see how these birds enjoy their lives like any other healthy bird. Isla is not releasable, but she has got a safe and happy permanent home with us. She has meanwhile befriended our resident rooks Lyra and Aquiel.

Some people may want wild animals to be helped, yet fear that they lack the knowledge to do it properly. These people are also often afraid that they would do more harm than good. This is understandable. Fortunately, there are usually ways to help poorly, injured or orphaned wild animals. Please contact your local rescue or rehabber as soon as possible. Time is always of an essence.