20160521-Red-tailed Hawk

05212016-RTHA Initial exam: This is a small, and therefore probably a male, Red Tail Hawk.  He was a good weight, not thin, so he probably has not been injured for long.  He was alert with no obvious external injuries.  He was unable to stand but did have a little movement in one foot.  Radiographs did not reveal any fractures.  Diagnosis: possible back injury. Treatment plan: an oral pain reliever/anti-inflammatory medicine, rest and nutritional support.   Update 5-24. He has been eating small pieces of food on his own.  Since he had not been using his feet, we had to cut his food small enough that he could swallow them without having to tear them up.  Today he stood for the first time on his own!  This is exciting as frequently Hawks with back injuries never regain use if their legs.  We expect him to make a full recovery! 04June2016 05212016-RTHA This little guy has recovered better and faster than expected!  He is now in a flight pen with other Red Tailed Hawks and is a very aggressive eater!  We will let him rest for a month before beginning creance flight conditioning with him.  There is little doubt he will be releasable! 28June2016 05212016-RTHA This hawk began creance flying this past weekend and flew fantastically!  He will be creance flown for a few days to build up his endurance.  If he continues to fly well, he should be released soon!