SATURDAY: We don't see anything seriously wrong so far. We took a very quick x-ray to make sure there was no swallowed fishing gear, spent ammunition, etc. Did not palpate any fractures, or see any on the XR. There is a puncture wound near one wrist, but it seems minor. The bird is thin but not emaciated. However she (?) is uncharacteristically subdued for a gannet. The other anomaly is that most of her tail feathers are badly abraded; and no, this didn't happen in the garbage can (which wins an award for the most creative transport container)! Right now, she is sound asleep.
SUNDAY: Good news is that the bird lived the night, and seems a little more bright and alert this morning. Other news is that we could not draw blood, and in fact could barely find a vein to try taking blood from; what that means to us is that blood pressure must be very low, possibly as a result of an internal hemorrhage that we have no good way of detecting (though on last night's x-ray we can see a density that could be pooled blood). Also the tip of the beak is broken off (possibly an encounter with an underwater rock?). So the plan for the day includes no further poking or wrestling, but continued supportive care that includes food (no, he isn't taking on his own, but we're making offers he can't refuse).
SUNDAY NIGHT: We gave him a large fish around mid afternoon and decided to just let him sleep away the rest of the day. Sleep with a full stomach is probably what he needs more than anything else right now.
MONDAY: We decided to wait one more day before trying again to take blood. The bird was much more alert today than yesterday; he spent only about half of the day asleep. Still doesn't want to be in water, but it may be that he just doesn't like the small indoor tub. Tomorrow we might try him in one of the larger pools outside.
SUNDAY: Good news is that the bird lived the night, and seems a little more bright and alert this morning. Other news is that we could not draw blood, and in fact could barely find a vein to try taking blood from; what that means to us is that blood pressure must be very low, possibly as a result of an internal hemorrhage that we have no good way of detecting (though on last night's x-ray we can see a density that could be pooled blood). Also the tip of the beak is broken off (possibly an encounter with an underwater rock?). So the plan for the day includes no further poking or wrestling, but continued supportive care that includes food (no, he isn't taking on his own, but we're making offers he can't refuse).
SUNDAY NIGHT: We gave him a large fish around mid afternoon and decided to just let him sleep away the rest of the day. Sleep with a full stomach is probably what he needs more than anything else right now.
MONDAY: We decided to wait one more day before trying again to take blood. The bird was much more alert today than yesterday; he spent only about half of the day asleep. Still doesn't want to be in water, but it may be that he just doesn't like the small indoor tub. Tomorrow we might try him in one of the larger pools outside.
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