More than 3,800 critters treated by Sanibel’s CROW in 2016
More than 3,800 critters treated by Sanibel’s CROW in 2016
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By Dr. Heather Barron From news-press.com
As 2016 draws to a close, we count our blessings over the past year and make resolutions for ways to improve in the new year. Part of the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife’s mission is to advance wildlife medicine through the development of innovative techniques, the application of new technology, the conduction of clinical research, and thus provide state-of-the-art care for Southwest Florida’s wildlife.
This year, CROW provided care for more than 3,800 patients with help from the community. Some of them, like a green sea turtle patient, presented in critical condition and cutting edge care allowed a successful outcome. This turtle had a disease that causes the development of viral-induced tumors that may occur on the skin or internally. Ultrasound, digital radiography, and endoscopy are just a few of the tools that were used in this case that allowed the CROW team to ascertain that the tumors were only external, which gave this patient a much better prognosis and allowed him to be treated and released.
Sea turtles poisoned by red tide are released in Naples
CROW also provided care to more than 1,400 mammals in 2016. Many, including a young raccoon, enjoyed the extensive enrichment that is provided for animals at CROW during rehabilitation. These “toys” serve a multifold purpose. They encourage exercise, improve food foraging techniques, decrease stress, stimulate problem solving skills and thus improve overall fitness for release.
The CROW team has much to be grateful for in 2016 and looks forward to reaching new heights in wildlife care in 2017.
About Dr. Heather Barron, DVM, Dipl. ABVP-avian: Dr. Heather Barron has been CROW’s Hospital Director and Head Veterinarian since late fall of 2011. She received training in exotic and wild animal medicine and surgery through a residency at the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, where she later became a tenured Associate Professor on the Zoological Medicine Service. She obtained further international experience as Professor and Department Head of Clinical Medicine at St. Matthew’s University, School of Veterinary Medicine in the Cayman Islands, where she was also the veterinarian for the Cayman Turtle Farm and Cayman Wildlife Rescue. She has served as a consultant for both IDEXX and Antech Imaging Services and is a former president of the Association of Avian Veterinarians. She is a board certified avian specialist and a licensed wildlife and sea turtle rehabilitator who has over 20 years of experience in practicing and teaching wildlife medicine. She has authored or co-authored over 100 scientific publications in her field. She and her husband, Andrew, live on Sanibel Island with their three children.
IMAGES:
This gopher tortoise’s wounds were successfully treated with Vacuum-Assisted Closure. (Photo: Special to The News-Press)
This loggerhead turtle was one of 3,800-plus patients treated by CROW in 2016. (Photo: Special to The News-Press)
Dr. Heather Barron has been CROW’s Hospital director and head veterinarian since late fall of 2011. (Photo: Special to The News-Press)
By Dr. Heather Barron From news-press.com
The CROW team has much to be grateful for in 2016 and looks forward to reaching new heights in wildlife care in 2017.
sea turtle rehabilitator who has over 20 years of experience in practicing and teaching wildlife medicine. She has authored or co-authored over 100 scientific publications in her field. She and her husband, Andrew, live on Sanibel Island with their three children.
