Found thin and weak having not moved from location for a
period of time the bird was clearly unwell needing to be seen as soon as
possible.
Fortunately Kendall College, another centre we are working
in collaboration with was able to provide initial stabilisation and make a
diagnosis of lead poisoning.
The Whooper Swan was then transferred to Stapeley where the
diagnosis was confirmed by x-ray showing 12 tiny metal spheres in the gizzard
(stomach where food is ground down).
These needed to be emptied away to prevent them being ground
down further and increasing the toxin level in the body.
In order to do this the bird was administered a general
anesthetic and had 2 buckets of water steadily flushed through its system.
After the procedure the Swan was then re x-rayed to ensure
no pieces of metal were left.
Not long after, to our surprise a second Whooper Swan
also found in the Lancashire area was brought in due to being grounded with a dropped wing.
Despite their medical issues both birds were extremely feisty
in comparison to often much calmer Mute Swans. They certainly were not going to
easily comply with administering medication- even putting the food bowl in was
a challenge to staff!
It was exciting to care for these Whooper Swans as we do
not often see them as well as their spirited nature adding a bit of a
challenge.
By Michelle Bite
Sponsors of Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre and Cattery
