July 21 Anemia Worsens and Blood Transfusion

Patient 26-519 appeared to have slightly more energy during her examination.

She was eating with assistance and was observed picking up several pieces of food herself.

However, repeat blood testing showed that the anemia had progressed and her PCV had fallen from 10% to 8%.

With her red blood cell level continuing to decline despite supportive treatment, preparations for a blood transfusion became increasingly important.

Her weight was 3.8 kg (8.4 Ib), and fluid therapy, nutritional support and treatment continued while the team monitored her closely. (Normal weight range for a female Bald Eagle is between 10 and 14lb. Females are approximately 25% bigger than males.)

At this point, the cause of the anemia remained unknown.

Possible explanations under consideration included infection, toxic exposure, chronic disease, parasites, abnormal destruction of red blood cells and other less common disorders.

With Patient 26-519's PCV at 8%, the veterinary team elected to proceed with a blood transfusion. Blood transfusions do not treat the underlying cause of anemia. Instead, they provide additional circulating red blood cells while veterinarians continue trying to determine why the patient's own red blood cell level is dangerously low.

Donor blood was obtained from Spirit, a non-releasable Bald Eagle living at the California Living Museum in Bakersfield.

At 7 pm, approximately 40ml of whole blood was administered while Patient 26-519 received sedation and oxygen support. A procedure that takes +/- 3 hours.

The procedure itself went well.