Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a really important part of rehabilitation. Before we can feel good about release, we want to make sure ROM (range of motion) is complete, strength is up, endurance is good, and so on. This brown pelican had been transferred to us to remove a fishing hook from the trachea. We also found a wound on the elbow of the left wing. Under anesthesia, the wing was flexed to stretch the muscles and loosen any tension that might keep this bird from using its wing. Once we felt confident that this bird would be fine in the continued care of the original facility, it was transferred back and eventually released.