An adult male bald eagle that was struck by a car at a golf course in Virginia Beach died during a surgery to fix his fractured leg.
The eagle, identified as HK, was well-known in the community and being treated at The Wildlife Center of Virginia after being hit at the Honey Beach Golf Course on September 1.
Despite remedies including warm compresses, salt bath soaks, physical therapy and laser therapy, the veterinary team noticed the blood flow to HK’s fractured leg was not improving.
Dr. Ernesto Dominguez conducted a fasciotomy, a procedure to relieve the tension and pressure in the leg that had lost circulation.
Sadly, HK died under anesthesia. Dr. Monica attempted CPR for several minutes but couldn’t revive the bald eagle.
An adult male bald eagle known as HK died during surgery over the weekend
He suffered a fractured leg and was treated with remedies including warm compresses, salt bath soaks, physical therapy and laser therapy
The veterinary team noticed the blood flow to HK’s fractured leg was not improving
HK hatched at Norfolk Botanical Garden in 2009 and nested at the golf course where he was often photographed.
This is the fourth bald eagle to die after injury in Virginia Beach this year. Other deaths resulted from shotguns and it is still illegal to kill the protected birds.
After being hit by the car, the Wildlife Center said HK was lying down in the transport crate before he was examined but was ‘bright and feisty’ when restrained for the examination.
Blood was found inside his mouth, which indicates internal trauma. A fracture on his right leg as well as lung bruising were found.
HK was admitted to the Wildlife Center of Virginia after being struck by a car at the Honey Beach Golf Course on September 1
Dr. Ernesto Dominguez conducted a fasciotomy, a procedure to relieve the tension and pressure in the leg that had lost circulation
This was HK’s second surgery in one week. He had been given fluids, anti-inflammatories and pain medication and was expected to make a full recovery in five weeks
The fatal surgery was the second HK underwent that week.
Dr. Ernesto performed surgery on HK earlier in the week, placing five pins in his leg, and above and below the fracture site.
He had been given fluids, anti-inflammatories, pain medication and was expected to make a full recovery in five weeks.
The team at The Wildlife Center of Virginia said they are saddened that ‘despite an all-out effort of treatment, HK’s injuries were too severe to overcome.’ The veterinary team will perform a necropsy to see what else they can learn about HK’s injuries.
This is the fourth bald eagle to die this year in Virginia Beach. Other deaths resulted from shotguns and it is still illegal to kill the protected bird
Dr. Ernesto performed surgery on HK earlier in the week, placing 5 pins in his leg, and above and below the fracture site
The team at the said they are saddened that ‘despite an all-out effort of treatment, HK’s injuries were too severe to overcome’