Bird Vet Visit

In order to keep the museum's animals as healthy as possible, we make sure they see a veterinarian at least once a year for a full check-up. While the Perkins Wildlife staff is trained to identify and treat many injuries and illnesses, it is unable to look inside of an animal to see how well its body is functioning. We have several collaborating veterinarians, each specializing in different kinds of animals. This spring, Dr. Lindstrom of Animal Clinic Northview came to CMNH to take blood from our birds and to deliver their annual West Nile vaccinations. The wildlife staff is trained to catch and restrain the birds in a safe manner for the exams. Since we cannot explain to the birds what we are doing, it can be a stressful experience for them. In some cases, a hood is placed on the bird’s head to impair its vision and reduce stress. George, a Bald Eagle, wears a hood whenever he needs to be grabbed for vet visits or coping (trimming of the beak and nails). In addition, some birds get a shot of vitamins to reduce the risk of capture myopathy, a potentially deadly syndrome that can occur after the restraint of wild animals.

Melissa Terwilliger is pictured below restraining George for his examination:

West Nile has had a strong impact on American birds since it arrived in New York City in 1999. It is spread through the bite of a mosquito and has been detected in 250 avian species. Some have been devastated by the virus. American Crows, for example, experienced a 45 percent decline throughout the nation. North American raptors (birds of prey) are very sensitive to the virus, especially those living near swamps and rivers. Some of our birds came to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History from rehab centers and still exhibit lasting effects of West Nile virus. Venus, our female Bald Eagle, recovered from the virus but now grows defective flight feathers. Arwen the Red-tailed Hawk and Big Mama the Great Horned Owl both have neurological issues caused by West Nile. Getting this vaccine will protect our birds from this potentially deadly virus.

In addition to vaccinating and examining them physically, our veterinarian draws blood from the birds so we can get a full picture of their health. This spring all of our blood results came back healthy, except for our Eastern Screech-Owl, Easo. The results indicated that Easo’s liver is not functioning properly. With this knowledge, the wildlife staff was able to prescribe an appropriate daily dosage of liver medications. Our collaborating veterinarians are a major factor in the health and well-being of our resident animals and their time and effort is much appreciated by the Perkins Wildlife Center staff.

Kaitlyn Gabriel
CMNH Wildlife Specialist