I got an injured morning dove

[hopsii]

I found an injured morning dove about 2 hour ago, and successfully captured in a box for now. My friend knows a NE Wildlife Center person, and already called her about the bird. So the bird is going to a rehaber tomorrow or soonest possible.

Now, meanwhile I got the poor birdy. My friend is bringing a carrier and some bird food shortly. What else should I do? I've rescued a couple of birds before, but not a morning dove.

My guess is that this bird was attacked by a cat and escaped. There seems to be a little wound on its left wing.

Any info is appreciated.

[Victor]

Hello Hopsii,welcome to our forum.Thank you for your interest in saving this poor dove in distress.

A cat bite, if that is what you suspect it is, can be the source of a deadly blood poisoning disease.Cat saliva can contain a bacteria called pasturella multicocida. The toxins released by this bacteria can create fatal liver and circulation problems.

There is an antibiotic, such as Clavomox that can be administered if there is indeed a cat puncture wound. The rehabber should be able to check on the wing and get a much better prognosis.

All you can do for now is keep in in a warm, quiet spot. If you have a heating pad, set in on a low setting as not to to harm him, just enough to keep it warm. If you do not have a pad, an old fashioned hot water bottle will do just fine .
Make sure it has access to some water, so that it may dip its beak into it and drink. A soft cloth on the bottom would be a nice addition for comfort.

Good luck with your rescue and let us know how it goes.

[TAWhatley]

Warm, dark, quiet, and water and food available is best for now. Mourning Doves can and will easily shed their feathers when stressed or feeling in danger .. try to avoid contact as much as possible. You've done well in finding a rehabber for the bird. Please do =not= put a Mourning Dove in a cage with bars .. if it panics, it will destroy its feathers and possibly injure itself by flailing against the bars. Leave it in the box or in a smooth sided cat carrier, but try not to handle it any more than absolutely necessary until you can get it to the rehabber.

Bless you for caring!

Terry

[hopsii]

The li'l bird seems to be all right at the moment in the box. I have created a warm, dark and cozy space for her to rest over night. Also provided some food and water. She's perched on the side of the shallow dish.

Most likely I will be able to bring her to the rehabber tomorrow.

She looks just like this one (I found this picture on the web somewhere).
http://photos13.flickr.com/16165576_f30945fa0b.jpg

[hopsii]

We took the bird to the New England Wildlife Center (hospital) this afternoon. As soon as we got there, the staff sedated her and started working on the wing x-ray. If it's not broken, they'll treat her with antibiotics and pain meds - they said. They also mentioned that her wound may be a few days old. Well, at least she's in the proper care now. If I hear anything about the bird, I'll post an update. Thanks again.

T.

I carefully took a photo of her this morning.

[TAWhatley]

I'm so glad you were able to get the little Mourning Dove the help it needs. Well done!

Terry

[hopsii]

Good news. The mourning dove I brought in to the NE Wildlife Center on Sunday is currently doing all right. She's on an antibiotic med now. They will release her in the nearby sanctuary upon her recovery - they feed the released animals there.

I also found out that she is in fact a juvenile bird. I don't know how early on they mate, but hopefully she didn't lose her mate. (BTW, they don't know the sex unless they do a blood test. I'm just assuming the bird is a she ; )

[John_D]

Good news, Hopsii!

Another little bird life saved, due to your quick actions - well done

John

[Victor]

Outstanding job Hopsii, we are proud of you! Another happy ending.

[hopsii]

Great news. I just received a letter from the New England Wildlife Center stating that the bird was successfully treated, rehabilitated, and released back to the wild.

Diagnosis/Treatment: left carpus has deep puncture wound, joint very loose and inflamed / wing wrap, metacam, baytril, clindamycin, handraised

Release site: NEWC

Looks like it was a juvenile bird.

Thanks all for the support you've given at the time.

[Reti]

Thank you for the great news. The poor bird had quite some injuries.
Well done.

Reti

[pdpbison]

Oh...very good then...

Glad to hear...

Phil
Las Vegas