TRAUMA

Fractures

Clinical signs – broken wings possibly from grounding
Diagnosis – radiography
Treatment –bird fracture treatment
Comments – swifts are remarkably tolerant if handled correctly. Possibly they are the only wild creature whose recovery is helped by bonding with humans without compromise to their rehabilitation. (Unlike other wild creatures they can be calmed by gently stroking their throat)

Cat attack

Clinical signs – lacerations, broken wings, puncture wounds
Diagnosis – history or clinical signs
Treatment – single dose of long acting amoxycillin
Comments – give antibiotic as soon as possible, deep puncture wounds to the body are often fatal

PARASITES

Parasitic louse fly

Clinical signs – easily identified crawling among feathers
Diagnosis – visual identification
Treatment – manual removal (you’ve got to be quick!!!)
Comments – do not use the old nest as housing, even if it is brought in with the casualty

OTHER

Grounding

Clinical signs –found floundering on the ground unable to take off, ‘floppy’ with exhaustion or emaciated after migration, or concussed after a bad landing or impact
Diagnosis – history, clinical signs
Treatment –assess for wounds, rehydrate, feed and rest
Comments – may take up to three weeks to recover. Encourage gentle exercise to regain muscle tone before release