Spotted Eagle Owl Success

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

This spotted eagle owl (Bubo africanus) was admitted after the homeowners found him collapsed and unresponsive. He is part of a pair that has bred in their garden for years. Dr. Kelsey immediately placed him on IV fluids, and slowly brought his body temperature back up to normal.

Dr. Kelsey diagnosed severe trichomoniasis (trich), and the owl was started on the correct antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. His sinuses and nares were blocked with mucus. He had obviously been ill for a while, as he was emaciated, too.

The first three days were touch-and-go, and he was kept on a drip and tube-fed using EmerAid IC Carnivore, as he could not yet eat by himself. He finally perked up on the fourth day and began eating by himself, despite having a plug of dead tissue in his throat, which is a hallmark of this disease.

Once he had started eating, his recovery was much faster. He gained a whole 200 grams (about 7 ounces) while with us, and we were able to get him back to his mate within 10 days!

It is so important that an animal or bird be taken back to where it came from. Spotties are quite territorial, especially during their breeding season, which had just started. It is best practice to return him to his territory.

We are so pleased that this owl made a full recovery, and quick enough so that his mate didn’t have time to replace him. He has since been seen with his mate and, hopefully, they will breed soon.

Huge thanks to the Meredith family and Eaton Farm for caring for this owl and working alongside us to ensure that he could go home.