Dakota home safe but not 'out of woods' yet
Wildlife In Need Center staff shared a much-anticipated update on great horned owl, Dakota, after his recovery from the wild last week.
After his rescue on Dec. 7 WINC staff said he was dehydrated and very thin.
"Dakota had lost a total of 27 percent of his body weight, eliminating not only his fat reserves but moving on to deteriorate his muscle tissue as well. He was given a full physical exam by his veterinarian who also drew blood for testing and oversaw the administration of subcutaneous fluids," according to a WINC press release sent Tuesday, Dec. 13.
The tests confirmed his fragile condition. Wildlife Rehabilitator, Mandy Feavel said, “that his PCV (packed cell volume) levels were low enough to consider Dakota slightly anemic and that his dehydrated state was also confirmed by the elevated kidney values they found.”
Other tests did rule out the existence of any parasites that his already weakened system would have to fight off during recovery. The complete results from this examination made it clear that Dakota was at risk of suffering from refeeding syndrome. Because of this he was prescribed a treatment plan of fluids only.
The WINC examined Dakota again on Saturday, Dec. 10. A veterinarian determined that his hydration levels were increasing enough to begin introducing a liquid diet. This liquid diet was given both Saturday and Sunday in conjunction with the subcutaneous fluids.
Dakota was again examined on Monday and more blood was drawn to determine the treatment’s effects on his enzyme levels to date. The results, received late Monday night, were mostly positive, said the release.
"While not all of his levels were improved, he was given the green light to begin introducing solid foods in small amounts as of this morning," staff reported Tuesday. "The improvement is welcome news to all those hearts that have gone out to the ambassador bird over these past several weeks."
Dakota is still quiet and lethargic compared to his prior behavior.
"While we are thrilled to share good news, we are still treating his condition with caution. His debilitated system’s reaction to solid foods is still a potential threat," the release said.
Because of his weakened state Dakota is on quiet cage rest. However, staff shared photographs of a recent exam.
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
E-mail Newsletter
Top stories from the Lake Country area. Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings.
Enter your e-mail address above and click "Sign Up Now!" to begin receiving your e-mail newsletter
Get the Newsletter!
» Anti-Walmart protesters pack Oconomowoc City Council meeting
» Kettle Moraine moves to 12-0
» Dousman teen charged with hit-and-run after underage drinking party
» Early meeting, full agenda for Village of Mukwonago
» Pewaukee fireworks officially "reignited"
» Last stand for Indian mascot in Mukwonago
» Waukesha man arrested in Chicago “high drug area,” charged with Vernon home burglary
» Supreme Court won't hear Mukwonago mascot and nickname appeal
» Todarello commits to Arkansas
» Victim identified in fatal motorcycle crash
MORE: See full gallery
SUBMIT: Post Your Photos now
Do you have news or a nonprofit event that you would like to share with the community? Whether it's a community organization, a business, a local school, or a notable neighbor, we'd love to hear about it.
- Winter Services, Inc. Hires General Manager
- Hamilton students score high in W!SE Financial Literacy Certification
- Lake Country Clean Water Festival Makes a Splash
- Palmyra-Eagle Students Studying Abroad
- Express Employment Professionals Awarded “Best of Staffing”
- First annual Village Extreme to be held June 22, 2013 in Brookfield Village
- Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Annual Picnic
- FREE Week- Basketball Academy
MORE: See the rest of Your Stories
SUBMIT: Post Your Story now
Lake Country residents share their views on news, happenings and current events.
LivingLakeCountry.com features more than a dozen community bloggers - a group of volunteer conversation leaders who are up on the latest topics and never short on an opinion. Just a few are pictured here. Check out the rest and see what they have to say!
View All Blogs
Discussion Guidelines
Do you want to become a Community Blogger? LivingLakeCountry.com welcomes your thoughts and opinions. Contact us for more information:
I want to blog
Information on Mukwonago Publications
Find metroparent locations
3 Comments
Sheliteguy - Dec 13, 2011 5:33 PM
Piper - Dec 14, 2011 5:49 AM
kerry4614 - Dec 14, 2011 6:29 AM
information regarding finding Dakota. They did not realize the implications of their
actions. Instead of banning them from attending any organization that represent
animals maybe it would be more appropriate for them to do community service with
a service organization that helps wildlife.