Expert: Julia Booth - 9/24/2010

Question
QUESTION: I found an injured dove...It looks to have an eye injury and mostly seems to walk in circles...I thought it might walk in circles because of only being able to use one eye...we have no wild life rehabs in the area we live...the local vet or humane society will not do anything because it is a wild animal...any answers to what I can do to help this injured bird? It is eating..will it be able to live in the wild with only having one eye?

ANSWER: I have seen doves survive with one leg. Yes, it can live with one good eye. But it will be at a disadvantage and not just because he's spending his time walking in circles.

If you give me a zipcode, I can see if there's a wildlife rehabber in your area that might be able to help. It's possible that whatever is wrong with it, can be fixed.


Julia

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: My zipcode is 15853! the closest one is about 1.5-2hrs away!..They eye looks pretty bad..IM NOT SURE IF IT GOT HIT BY A CAR OR RAN INTO A WINDOW.. The wings seem fine but i was thinking it might have an injury to its brain or head also.

Answer
Flying into a window is more likely, especially for doves, which are not very bright.

PAWR does not have anything listed for Elk County. But the northcentral region apparently serves Elk, along with Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga and Union Counties

You can call: (570) 398-4744

Here's PAWR's list of PA rehabbers by county:

http://pawr.com/public/?cat=2

Another database by county, at rehabbers.com:

http://wildliferehabber.com/modules/xoopsmembers/index.php

If you cannot locate one close enough, I recommend taking the bird to the nearest vet.

Let me know if you need more help,

Julia