Successful medical management of an acute case of pentobarbital toxicosis in a wild bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Abstract

A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) presented in a comatose state, with clinical signs consistent with an acute toxicosis of unknown aetiology. After 24 hours of aggressive supportive care, the eagle mildly improved, but was still unable to move or perch. Radiographs revealed severe upper gastrointestinal distention consistent with food remnants, and blood chemistry values were suggestive of an acute pharmacological induced toxicosis. An upper gastric lavage was performed and 36 hours after the procedure, the eagle was responsive and displayed normal behaviour. The eagle was released back to the wild following 6 days of supportive care, with complete resolution of the presenting clinical signs. Gastric content and crop fluid retrieved were frozen and then analysed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Both samples were positive for sodium pentobarbital, due to a presumed ingestion of an inadequately disposed carcase from a euthanased animal.

The do’s and don’ts of bovine euthanasia

“…Secondary poisoning of a variety of species related to the ingestion of pentobarbital containing meat or carcasses has been reported. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Due to concerns regarding secondary poisoning, carcasses with pentobarbital residues must undergo proper disposal. Rendering, composting, and burial are the most commonly used methods for carcass disposal in livestock production settings.…”