Respiratory Infection And Foot Lesions Complicate A Grebe’s Recovery

The following story about a pied-billed grebe was submitted by Alberta Institute For Wildlife Conservation in Alberta, Canada.

This juvenile, pied-billed grebe was admitted to the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation on September 14, 2021, weighing 312 grams (about 11 ounces). The grebe was found grounded, struggling to cross a road with no water bodies in the area.

Upon examination the grebe was found to have abrasions on his feet, likely from being grounded, a hematoma over his right elbow, and a respiratory infection. The grebe was stable on intake and was started on pain medication and antibiotics to combat his ailments. He was placed in a pool immediately to self-hydrate and began drinking right away.

Fortunately, the grebe’s waterproofing was adequate and he could comfortably float in the pool to remain hydrated and take weight off his injured feet. Radiographs were taken in the following days to ensure the bird had no fractures.

Unfortunately, due to the grebe’s respiratory infection, he would not dive for live fish — their natural food source. Staff offered bowls of mealworms and slivered fish, but the bird had no interest in these food items. As a result he had to be tube-fed EmerAid IC Piscivore three times a day to help him maintain weight during his time in care.

Foot lesions are a very serious issue in diving birds. He had to remain in care until they were completely healed, which took more than three weeks.