Bald Eagle Elbow Surgery

We wanted to share a recent example of how TRC's professional relationships and expertise recently came together to help another bald eagle patient.  

Since arriving last December, one of our bald eagle patients has been treated for an infection in the elbow. Despite controlling the infection, the joint remained enlarged and did not have full range of motion. With a very small endoscope on loan from Storz Veterinary Endoscopy America, (courtesy of Chris Kortes), Dr. Greg Anderson, a board-certified veterinary surgeon from the University of Minnesota's Veterinary Medical Center, explored the eagle’s elbow joint.  Dr. Anderson removed some cellular debris that accumulated from the infection and cleaned the joint out. The eagle’s wing was bandaged after the surgery, and the patient is undergoing physical therapy multiple times a week. You can watch some footage of the surgery here.

We are deeply grateful for the commitment and willingness to help shown by our colleagues at the University of Minnesota’s Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) and Chris Kortes from Storz Veterinary Endoscopy America.