20171203-Eastern Screech Owl

Via volunteer Pam: This morning, Soarin' Hawk got a phone call from Officer Bryan Miller who reported that he picked up a screech owl on the side of the road in the 15000 block of Highway 37, on his way to work.  He thought, at first, it was a rock, but quickly determined that it was an owl.  Upon examining the owl when I picked him up, I could see no visible injuries except his left eye was shut.  I then noticed that he had blood in his eye, probably from a car strike.  He was quiet, but he exhibited defensive behavior when picked up.I took him to Dr. Funnell for further assessment.   Initial exam by our avian veterinarian:  Upon presentation, this grey-phase eastern screech owl was quiet but alert.  He was an excellent weight and had no apparent injuries other than his left eye.  His eye had blood in the anterior chamber (front part of the eye) and was non-responsive to light.  He was started on a topical and a systemic anti-inflammatory/pain reliever.  Radiographs did not reveal any fractures.  Blood work and a fecal is pending.  His prognosis for return to the wild is guarded as there is only a guarded possibility that he will regain sight in the left eye.