Last week, CROW admitted a beautiful adult barn owl (patient #25-2212) with a broken wing. The owl was found by the roadside on Pine Island, unable to fly. A physical examination revealed an open humeral fracture, which was later confirmed with x-rays. The humerus is the bone that connects the shoulder to the elbow.

Within 24 hours, CROW’s medical staff performed surgery to clean and repair the fracture site. Pins were inserted to stabilize the bone during the healing process, and the wound was stitched closed. The pins will remain in place for 3-4 weeks until the bone has fully healed. After that, the pins will be removed, and the owl will be placed in a flight enclosure for conditioning in preparation for a successful release back into the wild.

CROW’s veterinary team also decided to administer laser therapy after surgery. This non-invasive treatment uses specific wavelengths of light to reduce pain and inflammation while promoting healing by stimulating cellular activity. Laser therapy is painless, brief, and effective in managing conditions such as arthritis, soft tissue injuries, and post-surgical recovery.

The barn owl is an uncommon species in Florida and is a treat to see in the wild. They are truly nocturnal, flying low to the ground while hunting. Unfortunately, their hunting habits put them at risk for collisions with vehicles and power lines. The use of rodenticides poses another threat to barn owls, as the poison can be fatal when transferred from contaminated prey. To protect this magnificent species, consider using wildlife-safe pest control alternatives and always be vigilant for wildlife while driving

CROW Case A Week stories are written and edited by Sarah Rinne. These stories appear weekly in Santiva Chronicle.