Patient of the Week: Western Screech Owl

A young Western Screech Owl was admitted on July 13, with a fractured humerus (a long bone in the wing). As it was found in the middle of the road, we suspect it was hit by a vehicle.

Because birds have lightweight bones and feathers, we cannot put a “cast” on a wing. For this patient, the veterinarian put a thin steel pin to stabilize the bone and the wing was wrapped in a lightweight bandage that will not stick to the feathers. This owl is also receiving pain medication and antibiotics, and might have physical therapy after the pin is removed from the wing.