Web Extra
by Marcia Hill Gossard ’99, ’04 Ph.D. | Photos by Henry Moore Jr.
A five-year-old bald eagle was brought to the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital in January after he was found in a ditch near Orofino, Idaho. After determining that the eagle showed signs of severe lead poisoning, Dr. Nickol Finch, head of the exotic and wildlife unit, gave him intravenous fluids and chelation therapy, which binds the lead so it can be eliminated through the kidneys.
Birds can get lead poisoning from ingesting shotgun pellets and bullet fragments in animal carcasses. Because bald eagles are scavengers, they are more likely to be exposed to lead through food.
“He’s one of the lucky ones,” said Finch, who, a few days before, was unable to save a golden eagle brought in with lead poisoning. Dr. Finch named the bird “Sauder,” after the Idaho fish and game biologist who rescued him.
If you find an injured raptor, seek help from a local wildlife agent or veterinarian, or call the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital at 509-335-0711.