FedditOwl with a Bad Case of Gas (Mildly Graphic - Air Sac Injury)
anon6789https://lemmy.world/pictrs/image/ee0f9777-72a4-43da-a595-1c33d41cfc85.jpeg
From Chris-Lisa Thomison with Tabatha Buckner and Owl Ridge Raptor Center
This wee one fell from a tree and has a ruptured air sac.
The air sacs consists of a thin membrane that when torn (from a trauma) allows air to escape under the skin and form a big balloon of air (subcutaneous emphysema). So, we are deflating the air bubble manually and repeatedly as it refills with air.
The Air Bubble
Air sac ruptures can cause breathing troubles and a lot of discomfort, we are happy to be seeing improvement!!
He’s rooming with Ollie who is recovering from surgery. They are a comfort for one another.
Prognosis is good.
HUGE thanks to Tabatha for driving for hours to get this owlet in care.
Air sacs allow for birds to have the most efficient respiratory system of any animal. Birds have no diaphragm to work their lungs like we do. They have a system of air sacs that push fresh air through the lungs on both the inhale and exhale!
Gotta say, Pneumatic Bones would make a great band name
I like it!
They don’t seem too impressed..
Well they did just take the wind out of the one… 😜