Page 186 - Hand rearing birds second

172 Hand-Rearing Birds

Aspiration­Pneumonia
Aspiration pneumonia can occur if food or water is introduced into the lungs or air sacs either
by inappropriate feeding techniques, or due to a weak bird becoming submerged and inhaling
water before coming into rehabilitative care. Due to their watery habitats and frequent interac-
tion with boats, a compromised chick can easily inhale water, so rehabilitators should be vigilant
for symptoms of aspiration pneumonia in new grebe patients. If it is available, an oxygen‐rich
environment should be provided to birds with signs of respiratory distress, and antibiotics may
be indicated.

Aspergillosis

Grebes are susceptible to aspergillosis, although antifungals are not usually given to healthy chicks.
Prophylactic antifungal medications may be prudent in grebes with other significant health prob-
lems, such as wounds or aspiration.

Trauma

Fledgling grebes are sometimes presented with traumatic impact injuries. Large‐bodied grebes
require a long water runway to take off; hence, after a wing fracture, recovery of normal flight
capabilities can be difficult or impossible to assess before release. Because grebes maneuver with
their legs to find prey, normal lower extremity function is absolutely necessary for successful
release. Tibiotarsus and tarsometatarsus fractures and hock joint luxations hold a poor prognosis
due to anatomic surgical and medical management challenges. Toe fractures may be splinted but
luxations do not heal well and may warrant amputation. See Duerr (2017) for guidance on the
treatment of orthopedic injuries in grebes.
Supplemental heat should be withheld from patients with traumatic head injuries to keep pos-
sible swelling at a minimum. Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as meloxi-
cam, may be given to help with pain and to reduce swelling. Head trauma patients should be
contained in a dark, quiet enclosure at an ambient temperature of 70–75 °F (21–24 °C). Unsteady
patients who are potentially unable to swallow and self‐feed safely should be fed via orogastric tube
until stable.
Grebe chicks are sometimes caught by predators such as cats or hawks, and may have wounds
requiring surgery. Hawk talon punctures may cause subcutaneous emphysema (air under the
skin) that may not resolve until holes into the body cavity (usually located deep to a small skin
scab) are sutured. Grebe chicks caught by cats or other mammalian predators should be treated
with antibiotics, such as amoxicillin with clavulanic acid (125 mg/kg orally q12h), until wounds
have completely healed, and even very small wounds may impact waterproofing and benefit
from closure. See Duerr (2016) for the surgical techniques necessary for the repair of lacerations
in diving birds.

Endoparasites
Grebes often carry heavy burdens of intestinal parasites such as tapeworms. Chicks entering care
at older ages may need deworming, such as with praziquantel at 20 mg/kg once, with a repeat dose
10 days later. Ivermectin is used for feather lice and roundworms at 0.2–0.4 mg/kg orally once;
again, this is usually only a problem in older chicks or adults.