July 4th and 5th Apollo 3 Visits the Vet; A Sad Tale
July 05, 2013 - Etobicoke - William Osler
Tracy Simpson Reports:
After the long weekend the Greenwood Park Animal Hospital was booked solid for appointments and so with Apollo 3 safe and stable, we set up the earliest appointment that we could. When we arrived, Dr. Markus Luckwaldt. avian specialist and experienced raptor expert, was preparing for the exam for our little Apollo 3. The first step was the physical examination to determine the condition of his left wing. After the physical exam it was clear that the wing bones were not broken but that the left elbow was not responding to movement as it should. It was very loose, almost uncontrolled. When the x-rays were ready we went through them checking all of the bones for signs of a fracture. His keel, tripods and long bones were all intact. When we compared the joints of both wings, it was clear that the left elbow was damaged. In the x-ray you could see that the joint had dislocated and was overlapping. Dr. Luckwaldt sent the x-rays off to a collegue at OVC, another raptor specialist, for confirmation of his diagnosis of a dislocated elbow and to discuss the injury. Both vets concurred that Apollo 3 had dislocated the elbow of his left wing, torn all of the connecting ligaments that could not be surgically reconnected ( too small to hold a stitch ) and that he would never regain full control of his wing below the elbow. He would never be able to fly properly. The recommendation was made that Apollo 3 be euthanized as he could never be released as a fully functioning peregrine falcon meant to fly with control and precision at high speeds. We contacted Mark Heaton of the OMNR with the diagnosis and recommendation and on July 5th, the CPF stood by Apollo 3 as he was given a painless and dignified end to his life. I am saddened to have to report this to you as this is an unfortunate loss for the William Osler nest site. Both Bruce and I agreed that his flights with the wing in that condition were uncontrolled and he was bound for an accident much more serious than we cared to imagine. He was unable to gain altitude, control his landings and he was clearly in pain. Decisions such as these are very difficult and never made lightly but are so important. I am grateful that we were able to be there for him, recognize the injury and rescue him. I am also incredibly grateful for the support and care of the Greenwood Park Animal Hospital and the expertise of Dr. Markus Luckwaldt in determining his injury and recommending a course of action based on the best interest of Apollo 3 both now and in the future. With the sad loss of this little man we now turn our attention to the remaining members of the family; Blizzard, Aura and Maverick. These three juveniles are doing very well and continue to have our support as they learn the fine art of peregrine flight. Thank you to Winston, William Osler staff and security, Greenwood Park Animal Hospital and all of you for your support of this family.
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