Gage Animal Hospital

Early this summer, difficulties arose for a Bald Eagle family residing in their cozy aerie (eagles’ nest) in southwest Topeka, near Lake Sherwood.

A worker who had been observing the eagle family from his office window, became concerned for one of two eaglets born in the spring. The eaglet had been on the ground for an extended period of time without the parents’ care. The worker walked nearby, suspecting something awry. The eaglet, around 11 or 12 weeks old, appeared emaciated and near death. For reasons unknown, (perhaps scarcity of food) the parents no longer felt they could support this eaglet, and, instead, devoted their parenting efforts on the other eaglet born at the same time. Northeast Kansas Wildlife Rescue was called. A rescuer came to retrieve the bird for immediate transport to Gage Animal Hospital.

Upon examination by Dr. Shipman and Dr. Brandt, the eaglet was found to be malnourished and dehydrated. Dr. Shipman administered 60ml. of lactated ringers subcutaneously (under the skin) in the region of the keel bone (in humans, the sternum) and an injection of antibiotics. The bird was then sent to a rehabilitator for force feeding and continuation of fluid therapy. Fortunately, this eaglet responded rapidly and made a full recovery. The eaglet was returned to the area of the aerie. The parents accepted the eaglet’s return. Adult eagles teach young eaglets, by observation, to hunt.

All seemed well. But, in early July, the same worker observed the second eaglet on the ground, unable to fly. Once again, Northeast Kansas Wildlife Rescue was called. This second eaglet was retrieved by a rescuer and brought to GAH. Upon examination, the eaglet was suspected to have a break in the wing. In addition, a cluster of several pin, or blood, feathers (feathers having blood supply, allowing them to continue growth) had been broken. Dr Shipman took radiographs of the suspected wing break. Two small fractures were found in the distal phalanges at the end of the wing ( in humans, fingers) and in the ulna (in humans, forearm). Hopefully, with care, rest, and time, the breaks would heal. The broken feathers, however, would never heal. Since pin feathers remain for four to five years, the bird, without intervention, would be unable to fly well enough to learn to hunt. Dr Shipman made the decision to remove these broken feathers, anticipating new feathers would grow in the exact papilla (small outgrowth of skin) where each broken feather had been removed. With the assistance of the rehabilitator and Dr. Ledbetter, Dr. Shipman undertook this meticulous and delicate procedure. The rehabilitator left GAH with the eaglet and provided watchful care for three weeks. The eaglet, appearing eager to fly, was returned to GAH for radiographs this week to determine the status of the broken bones. The bones were healing! In addition, new feathers were starting to grow from the papillae where the broken feathers had been removed. Arrangements are now being made for transfer of the eaglet to a facility with an adequate eagle flight cage. When bones are healed and feathers are regrown, the eaglet will be released in an area where other Bald Eagles reside. The eaglet will learn, by observing these adult eagles, to hunt.

Dr. Shipman, Dr. Ledbetter, and Dr. Baker are excited to welcome Dr. Tera Brandt as the newest veterinary staff member here at Gage Animal Hospital.

Last summer as she prepared to enter her senior year at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, she was an extern here at GAH. Dr. Shipman recognized in Dr. Brandt the exact combination of intellect, compassion, and solid knowledge of veterinary medicine that is so necessary in the development of an excellent veterinarian. So with great enthusiasm he offered her a position upon graduation as a veterinarian here at GAH.

As an undergraduate at KSU where she majored in animal science and industry, she earned distinction as a member of the McNair Scholar’s Program and as a member of the Developing Scholars Program. She graduated Cum Laude.

Dr. Brandt entered the College of Veterinary Medicine at KSU where she earned distinction as a member of the Veterinary Research Scholars Program. She received her D.V.M in May of this year. At graduation she was honored as a Steven White Award recipient for integrity, compassion, and professionalism towards clients, patients, and colleges.

As Dr. Brandt completes her first month at GAH, all of us here resoundingly agree that she is an excellent addition to our animal care team!

Gage Animal Hospital Committed to excellence in small animal healthcare since 1950.

ALL DOGS, large dogs, small dogs and in-betweens, are easily frightened by fireworks. While a keen sense of hearing on any other day is an attribute, on the Fourth of July, the high-pitched, shrill missile sounds, the rapid crackling of a string of Black Cats, and the big booms all combine for a terrifying situation. MORE DOGS GO MISSING ON THE FOURTH OF JULY THAN ANY OTHER DAY OF THE YEAR.
At GAH, we recommend keeping your dog inside your home, safely kenneled, and in an enclosed room, all day and all night on the Fourth. Run a fan and play some relaxing music (most dogs enjoy the sound of a piano) to muffle the outdoor noise. Provide them with a cozy blanket and/or a beloved toy. When your dog does need to be outside briefly to take care of business, place a short leash on that pup, young or old, big or little, even if they are going to be outside only briefly in a fenced-in yard. Also, do not rely on a child to take your pet quickly outdoors on a leash, only a responsible adult.
THIS IS NOT A GOOD HOLIDAY TO CELEBRATE WITH YOUR DOG!
Do not deprive that pup that you love so much all the fun, though. Just wait until next weekend, then serve 'em up a grilled hamburger or hotdog, along with a bowl of watermelon. (They'll go for that)!

Gage Animal Hospital Committed to excellence in small animal healthcare since 1950.