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FUND FOR ANIMALS WILDLIFE CENTER @2007
This once gravely ill coyote overcame malnourishment, parasites, pneumonia and mange to be released into the wild again. |
A middle of the night phone call is a routine occurrence at The Fund for Animals Wildlife Center in Southern California. This call from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) concerned a downed coyote on the side of the road, possibly hit by a car. The animal was about 30 miles away from the center but fortunately right in staff member Mirjam Schippers' neighborhood. A quick call was placed to Mirjam, and the unfortunate coyote was quickly rescued from certain death at the side of the busy street.
Mirjam was able to stabilize the coyote, and she hoped the female coyote would make it through the night. As luck would have it the coyote did live despite the odds against her. She was bleeding through her nose and experiencing very labored breathing. Her coat was ragged, and she looked sickly. It appeared at first that being hit by a car was just the last in a series of tough times for this girl.
Veterinarian Dr. Don Wood and the wildlife center staff took a series of x-rays, gave her a complete physical and fecal exam, and drew blood. The good news was that a car had not hit the coyote after all. The bad news was that she was suffering from pneumonia, multiple parasites, including several internal parasites, malnutrition, and mange.
The young coyote had probably used almost her last breath to make it across the busy street, only to collapse at the side of the road moments later. Only attentive CHP officers and a prepared staff member prevented her from dying that very night.
Despite a Poor Prognosis...
Dr. Wood was doubtful of her chances, but everyone at the center was determined to do whatever was needed to save her. She was started on IV fluids and given antibiotics. As she rallied she was given small portions of nourishment. Every day that she was alive was a surprise, as she was so critically ill.
Within a week she was breathing better and eating very well, as if she had some lost time to make up for! She was soon well enough to begin treatment of her many external and internal parasites. After three weeks in the medical center, this young, now healthy and beautiful coyote began climbing the walls, her way of letting staff know that she was ready for the great outdoors. She was moved to a spacious outdoor enclosure and just six weeks after nearly dying on the side of the road, this beauty was released into her home territory after being given a second chance at life.
Related Links
- Read about five coyote pups who also survived and were released back to the wild.
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Posted March 15, 2007
