1st Trumpeter Swan of the Season Arrives
Every year, the WRC admits on average 15-20 Trumpeter Swans, most suffering from lead poisoning (other reasons may include being hit by a car or colliding with a power line). Most of the swans arrive between the months of November and February.
This afternoon we admitted our first Trumpeter Swan of the winter season. This adult was found roaming in a fenced-in field, unable to fly and slightly weak. Upon admission, the swan we learned it was mildly dehydrated, and had bruising to both wrists. Bloodwork revealed that the swan did have a mildly elevated lead level, which would account for his/her weak state and inability to fly (secondary to the weakness).
Swans become victims to lead poisoning when they accidentally ingest fragments from lead fishing sinkers and spent ammunition at the bottom of lakes and ponds. The lead then leaches out of their stomach and into their bloodstream, causing motor weakness and other neurological deficits. The swans eventually succumb to the lead poisoning, usually due to starvation since they can’t move adequately enough to find food.
X-rays of the swan did not show any evidence of lead in its stomach, so we did not need to perform a stomach gavage to remove fragments. If we did see fragments on the x-ray, time is of the essence to remove those fragments to prevent more lead from leaching into the bloodstream.
Luckily for this swan, he/she was found just in time to treat the lead poisoning before it becomes more of an issue! The swan will receive twice daily injections of a medication that will bind to the lead, which will then be excreted by the swan. We hope the swan has a quick recovery and can return to the wild soon!
October 27th, 2010 at 7:18 pm
Hi, I am the one who called the Swan in and whose property it was removed from. The swans mate is still in the pond, I assume waiting for the mate to return. It seems to be in good health, however I have not seen it fly. It is moving around the pond near our property. Not knowing how long you anticipate the recovery, is it possible to return to the pond thus back with its mate?
Dale
November 3rd, 2010 at 5:46 pm
I’d love to know how this lovely Swan was captured – the technique – and how many people it took to capture. Also, how was it transported to your center? Thank you.
November 8th, 2010 at 5:30 pm
Hi Dale,
We do, however, have another trumpeter in right now who is up for release tomorrow!
As you’ve already heard I believe, sadly this swan passed away. Not only did he have lead poisoning, but on necropsy it was discovered that he also had a severe case of Aspergillosis, which is a fungal infection that can affect their respiratory system. The immunocompromised condition the swan had due to the lead poisoning likely exacerbated the Aspergillosis infection…
Kristina,
It takes quite a few people to capture a swan, especially if they are on open water. We have several volunteers equipped with kayaks and nets who are able to go out on “swan rescues”. These animals are very large and powerful, so it takes many hands to accomplish this mission! The swan is then placed in a large dog kennel and driven to us! If you’re interested in helping out with swan rescue, give us a call and we can get you the name and number of one of our volunteers who does a lot of rescue for us; she always welcomes new people willing to help!