Editor’s Note: The juvenile double-crested cormorant is part of the CROW CAW (Case A Week) series, which tells the stories of the patients at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island, the dangers they face, and how we can help protect all of our wildlife. Read previous cases here.
A juvenile double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) (Patient 25-4729) was found on Fort Myers Beach, unable to fly, and brought to the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife.
The patient was dull, fairly dehydrated, and emaciated, with burrs on its feet and small tears in the webbing between its toes. Furthermore, on radiographs, there was a minor chip fracture on the left humeral head.
The veterinarians suspected that the animal had sustained some unknown trauma, possibly accompanied by red tide toxicosis. To neutralize the toxin and facilitate its excretion, the cormorant was administered intravenous lipid emulsion (IVLE).
Bloodwork revealed significant inflammation, prompting the initiation of antibiotics for a possible infection. To address dehydration, intravenous fluids were started, and pain medications were administered to manage the fracture and webbing tears…