Circulatory Compromise in a Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

The temporary loss of circulation to an appendage can be deadly for a wild raptor. If restricted blood flow is suspected, an aggressive treatment protocol should be started immediately to improve circulation and minimize damage to soft tissues and bone. The treatment protocol used by The Raptor Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, at the University of Minnesota includes warm compresses applied to the affected area as well as drug therapy to dilate blood vessels, antibiotics to prevent possible infection, and anti–inflammatories. The prognosis of these cases is guarded and the outcome often difficult to predict. Therefore, even in cases with severe circulatory compromise to an area, treatment is recommended.