Marsh Owl Regains Sight

The following story about a marsh owl was submitted by Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital in South Africa.

This marsh owl (Asio capensis) was admitted for being grounded. With careful examination we diagnosed central blindness. In birds, this condition is often related to a head injury, most often from a vehicle impact.

Central blindness means that the eyes can still “see” and the pupils respond to light, but the brain does not “see” the picture. This is often due to swelling post head trauma. It can sometimes be permanent.

Our team treated the owl with anti-inflammatories and pain medication. At this time the owl could not yet see. We tube-fed with EmerAid IC Carnivore on a daily basis.

Over the coming days, the owl’s sight returned. He started eating on his own. A SAFRING was placed, and he was successfully released near where he was found.

Owls, like most other animals, are territorial. The best rehabilitation practice is always to return them to where they came from if it is safe to do so.