September 2006

LOG-BOOK:

September 1^st:  we had to arrange quite a lot early this morning, because everything is going to happen at about the same time: the little birdie is coming, the people who are taking the tom-cat “Koppeltje” with them to Belgium are coming to take him for micro-chipping, we must “collect” the Pelican ánd we must pick-up two trainees at the airport. As well shopping has to be done in Kallonís. After we informed by phone, we heard that (even with the assistance of the fire-brigade) one hadn’t been able to catch the Pelican > so wait and see. At 9 a.m. arrived an orphaned kitten, people want to take to Belgium next Monday > see further by KITTEN. At 9.46 a.m. arrived the birdie: a juvenile HOUSE MARTIN > see over there. The people who brought it (4 Dutch) visited as well the Hospital. At 11.05 a.m. a phone-call from the Vet Myrsíni Tourvalí about an injured PIGEON > we can’t pick it op from the coach today, but on our way to the air-port we picked it up in Mytiléne. At the air-port we picked-up 2 Dutch trainees, Karlijn and Ramon.

September 2^nd:  all were still alive this morning. At 9.40 a.m. suddenly there stood in our kitchen a village-girl with a small baby-chicken in het hands. Her mother had stepped-upon it (by accident). Had a greenstick-fracture just above the heel of the right leg, Splinted with “Sport tape”. Not in the statistics. During the evening-feeding-round we discovered in the barn-owl-cage in “The Keep” a dead white Barn Owl with a green ring around the left leg. Showed to be one of the 3 juvenile white Barn Owls, we picked-up June 16^th ’05 in Ánaxos (05-119a-c) and which wasn’t releasable. This one had died from “digestions-problems” (the manure had glued together till no passage had been possible anymore). We heard by phone that the bitch with the broken pelvis (06-176; August 26^th) is improving. At 7.30 p.m. a phone-call from Skála Eressoú about a boxer which had given birth for the first time and now is having problems > still a dead puppy inside or a placenta that didn’t came out properly. Advices were given how to check and one will contact us. So they came in a “flying hurry” with the mother and her remaining 3 puppies. See further by BITCH.

September 3^rd:  the Scop’s had eaten at last by itself and was 93 gram (hadn’t been fed last evening and as well not anymore this morning). At the end of the morning 2 Dutch visitors. Showing them around we discovered that the younger of the two Dog-foxes was chased by the elder in every nook and cranny (bitten as well !) that keeping him longer there was impossible. Because there was no other place to lodge him, we had to decide (with pain in our harts, and aware of the risks for him) to release him. The catching however was, because of the utmost stressed animal, for the tourists quite a bloody scene and for one of us a ditto experience . . . . !!

 Releases:

At 8.40 a.m. we had caught 5 juvenile Little Owls and brought to a smaller cage, waiting for their release this afternoon. Those were the four, born out of disables parents over here (see May 30^th & 31^st ’06) and the juvenile we picked-up in Skála Polichnítos June 27^th (06-121). They were set free at 1.15 p.m. in the deserted house.

The Dog-fox (06-133; July 12^th ’06) is, somewhat infatuated, released at 2.07 p.m.

After the siesta 4 visitors from the Free-state of Bavaria: from Ilmmünster and from Dachau.

September 4^th:  in the deserted house (at least) 2 Little Owls were present, but there wasn’t eaten.

Re-homing:

At 7.25 a.m. the tom-cat “Koppel” (06-109a; June 17^th) and the cat “Fluffie” (06-179; September 1^st) left the L.W.H. on their way to a new home in Belgium.

In the morning two Dutch visitors, who brought with them medical equipment which was collected for us in Holland. At 2.35 p.m. we were wakened by the phone: a certain Caroline who announced us that in Pétra there was “swimming” a juvenile Greater Flamingo in the sea, and if we couldn’t come and take the bird. She was told that thát only should be possible if people thére could catch the bird. One should continue observing and keep us in touch. In the afternoon 5 Dutch visitors. In the evening we received a phone-call from Belgium, that the transport and the import of “Koppel” and “Fluffie” had happened without problems. As well we received an e-mail about the visually handicapped tom-cat “Máti’ (06-088; May 30^th), which went July 17^th to Holland: the Dutch Vet wasn’t discontent about the situation of both eyes (although one eye will remain 100% blind), and for the time being no surgery is necessary.

September 5^th:  in the deserted house only one Little Owl was present; there hadn’t been eaten. The W.R.P. has diminished again with one: no swimming-license. The injury in the wing of the shot Turtle-Dove  is still open and the fracture isn’t healing. The left wing of the White Stork, where the huge skin-injury was, we had to stitch again the last part today with 1 U-stitch. At the end of the morning 2 Dutch visitors.

September 6^th:  both baby Spurr-tighed Tortoises (06-055a-b), which came in April 24^th with 14 and 16 gram, were now both 117 gram !! In the deserted house no Little Owl was present anymore and equally there was eaten > so good luck all five !! At 7.55 a.m. arrived 2 male dogs from the shelter in Skála Eressoú for “de-fathering” > see further by DOG. Continued with the clearing and re-organization of the Surgery > meanwhile we have already a new operating-table-top, but that one must be made fitting and on a better height. At 10.20 a.m. a phone-call from the vet Myrsíni Tourvalí in Mytiléne about a pigeon, unable to fly > she wanted to send the bird by coach. Because however the ambulance was in the garage for repair, this was impossible > will be send tomorrow. Further 2 Dutch visitors and 2 from Belgium. We could remove from the left wing of the Pigeon with the double, open fractures of the shoulders (06-136; July 13^th) still some dead tissue with pieces of bone. We could remove as well the splint of the shot Pigeon (06-177; August 29^th) > is glued together. While brain-storming over the new operating-table-top we came in principal to a solution. Let’s see if we can start realizing this tomorrow.

September 7^th:  as soon as the first activities were done, we went to Mória for replenishing the stock of wood-chips (in a huge carpentry over there). For both trainees this was as well a bit of “sight-seeing”. Continued with the operating-table-top > one of us almost had the “honor” te be the first to be treated over there . . . . (luckily the electric drill was still intact !!). At 11.30 a.m. there arrived a Dutchman from Pétra with quite a huge dog (Berner Sennendog) with a grass-seed in between the toes > local anesthetics were given and grass-seed removed. Not in the statistics. At 11.50 a.m. we had the Pigeon in our hands > see further by PIGEON. In spite of a lengthwise pierced finger we were able (don’t ask how !) to continue after the siesta with the operating-table-top > can be finished (maybe ??) tomorrow. It was a Full Moon, but as well a partial eclipse of the moon. This was watched by us together with the trainees and they took lots of pictures.

September 8^th:  the Pigeon with the broken wing (06-177; August 29^th > shot) is transferred to the Pigeon-cage in “The Keep”. White paint and ditto silicone was bought to finish the operating-table-top. The construction is ready now and we have a working-height of 24 cm higher than before > will be lesser spinal-problems in future. The White Stork is picking-open the injury of the left wing > has got bandages again. This means that probably there will be no release this year, because the other White Storks have already left for Africa. In the morning 1 Danish visitor from Copenhagen. At 7.20 p.m. a phone-call from Mytiléne about (probably) a Collared Dove; not injured but not able to fly. The lady in question wanted to bring the bird, in spite of the time, by herself . . . . ., although we offered to pick-up the bird tomorrow-morning !! At last we could persuade her, that it should be better ánd for the bird, ánd for her safety ánd for our rest, that the bird should be picked-up by us tomorrow-morning.

September 9^th:  the W.R.P. has diminished again with one (couldn’t swim). We could remove the splint of the fracture of the juvenile House Martin (see hereunder) > now wait and see . . . . !! At 9.05 a.m. we received a phone-call from our Ambulance in Mytiléne that they had the patient in their hands: so no Collared Dove, but a “street-pigeon”. See further by PIGEON. Continued with the “perfection” of the Surgery, with sorting out of stitching-materials etc. etc.  At 7.35 p.m. we had to take-in again from the Barn Owl-cage in “The Keep” the white Barn Owl, we had taken-in already twice in July of this year > was now again quite severe mauled (bitten). See further by WHITE BARN OWL.

September 10^th:  the W.R.P. had diminished again with one > same reason as yesterday. Continued with the reorganization of the Surgery. And again we could remove from the left wing of the Pigeon with the double, open fractures of the shoulders (06-136; July 13^th) still some dead tissue (see as well July 6^th). However, he/she is using this wing quite well (good enough for mating in any case). Around midday 4 Dutch visitors. Just before 3.30 p.m. there was an English couple in front of our door, trying to “retail” their dog (completely provided with all papers and attests) till the end of December over here > they had to go back to England and the doggie wasn’t so far yet. Due to a lack of place we had to refuse this.

September 11^th:  we received an e-mail from Sir Les Stocker, thé founder of the idea of the Wildlife Hospitals and he received a MBE for his efforts, that he is intending to visit us November 9^th  !! We made a door on the outside stairs from the ground floor to the 1^st floor > now no Stork can “enter” the roof of the Zoökomeio again! Continued with the reorganization of the Surgery. At the end of the morning 4 visitors from Holland: 3 real Dutch and one (import from Liverpool) “imitation”. After the siesta 2 Dutch visitors, who came special for the cats. At 9 p.m. a phone-call from a woman in Mytiléne about a cat, which wasn’t well at all . . . . if there were no Vets available over there at that moment !! As good as possible advices were given.

September 12^th:  early in the morning already a phone-call from Skála Kallonís (Hotel Kallonís II) that an over there present population of stray dogs was causing problems > transferred to the “Animal-Lovers Society of Lesvos”. Continued with the surgery, but due to back-bone-problems we had to stop early. At 10.43 a.m. a phone-call from German tourists in Skála Polichnítos, that they had discovered a very young (thrown-away) puppy which they wanted to taken with them to Germany > they’ll pass by. And at five past twelve they had arrived: on a moped. See further by PUPPY. At 6.10 p.m. a phone-call from Plomári from our former member of the board Sue Best: she was “enjoyed” over there with 3 thrown-away puppies with the eyes already open > she will pass by in the coming days to discuss the bringing-up. For the time being in any case she can (and will) take care of them.

September 13^th:  two Dutch people came this morning to tell us that they definitively will take to Holland the little tom-cat “Strátos” (06-168; August 15^th from Mandamádos > smashed front-leg) September 29^th. Able to continue a bit perfecting the surgery. We’re starting to reach the end of “removing dead tissue” from the Pigeon with the double shoulder-fracture (06-136; see as well September 6^th) > only a little bit had to be removed today. At 6.25 p.m. a phone-call from Mytiléne about a Pigeon with “leg-problems” > will be picked-up by us tomorrow. Later phone-calls that evening informed us about cotton being present around the legs and that an infection (with a loss of limbs ??) is developing > so wait and see.

September 14^th:  at 7.50 a.m. we received a phone-call from Mytiléne that the Pigeon was in our hands. How serious the injuries are, should be clear at arrival at the L.W.H. With the “help” of a .22 air-gun-pellet the W.R.P. was diminished again with one > sharpshooter’s shot: from behind in the head. Only we needed “acrobatic movements from our side” to remove the corpse from where it was stuck. At 9.45 a.m. the Pigeon was over here > a MESS !! See further by PIGEON. Started with the jointing of the first wall in the cage of the Eagle Owl, to make the cage more rat-free: the three of us were capable to do almost 4 square meters. The White Stork is starting to eat on it’s own. While checking the jointing in the cage of the Eagle Owl, a huge fat female rat was seized by panic, because her escape route was closed down > so she ran as well into .22 lead. So today W.R.P. –2.

September 15^th:  we could remove the hanging cast by the Pigeon (06-184; September 9^th > see Pigeon nr 3). We could remove the last scab from the wing of the juvenile House Martin > only isn’t able to fly well, because can’t stretch the wing complete. Is receiving physiotherapies now. From Pigeon number 4 the thumb-too of the right foot had disappeared > was already black. The White Stork is eating on it’s own from a bowl, but only fishes. The meat we have to force-feed. We received an e-mail from a former trainee of us, now working in a Veterinary-practice as a veterinary nurse, and we won’t keep away from you the following:

We received last week from the Animal-ambulance-service a Buzzard. His leg was badly injured with lots of maggots. My colleagues called me to tell them how to handle the bird. I was very proud to show them what I have learned at your place ! I was in charge of taking care of him and I have fed him just like I did at your place, but only with tinned cat-food. I have cleaned the leg completely, but unfortunately he stayed alive only for 2 days.

But I want to thank you for teaching me how to handle and feed such an animal !!!! Even Ringers-solution I asked for and they gave it to me !!

And so it will be written.

We went to the Agrotikí Stégi for microchipping of the cat “Vélda” and the tom-cat “Strátos”.

September 16^th:  both Mytilenian Pigeons (06-183; Sept. 7^th > Pigeon nr 2, and 06-184; Sept. 9^th > Pigeon nr 3) are transferred to the pigeon-cage in “The Keep”. The first they did was . . . . taking a bath !! At 8.50 a.m. we discovered the Pigeon, which had had the cotton around the legs, dead in its cage > better so, because a future for him/her was hardly possible. After breakfast one of us went to Kallonis to buy lettuce and fruits, and the other three had divided the work as follows: one went to the cage of the Eagle Owl to continue the jointing, the second went upon the roof of the release-cage for the Barn Owls to change the roof tiles and put them again on their places, while the third was preparing the concrete (and lift it upon the roof), lifting new tiles etc. etc. After the return from Kallonís lots of fruits had to be sorted out and stored. The trainees continued in the cage of the Eagle Owl. The latter was watching everything quietly (and “licking his lips” . . . . !!). At 1.11 p.m. we received a phone-call from the 3^rd kafeníon in the Agorá of our village, that a “birdie” was discovered over there > 6 minutes later we had it in our hands: a juvenile Moorhen. The wing-injury of the shot Turtle Dove (06-178; August 30^th) is closing at last. Probably however the bird isn’t releasable. So the only remaining one of that kind in the Aviary will have a “mate” at last again.

September 17^th:  the juvenile Moorhen was still alive at 5 a.m. However, had diminished with 4 grams, but is difficult to feed (is hardly swallowing the given food). Even before breakfast we had jointed (almost total) the yesterday placed roof tiles. Meanwhile there was continued with the jointing of the cage of the Eagle Owl. We’re quite busy organizing again a neutering-program for strays for next year > there came an offer from the Veterinary University in Utrecht (Holland). And after we have been for so many years, at least from 1999, a trainee-address for agricultural students, we now have opted for an official recognition. At 10.50 a.m. two visitors (and friends) brought us a Sedge Warbler, hit by a car (??) > see further over there.

September 18^th:  at 4.30 a.m. we woke up from the first rain since months . . . !! The juvenile House Martin we discovered dead at 5.45 a.m. in its cage > didn’t “believe in it” anymore, because should have remained an invalid. The juvenile Moorhen had, after being fed yesterday every hour, gained weight with 2 gram. It even had “rummaged” among the seeds in the bowl. The Sedge Warbler is quite vivid and will be released later this morning. And so it happened at 7.48 a.m. > was flying if never had happened anything. With the help of the air-gun and a .22 pellet the W.R.P. was diminished again with one: an adult male with a body-weight of 170 gram and a length o.a. of 40 cm !! At 8.26 a.m. a phone-call from a certain Jolanda from Mólivos, who had taken with her from Skála Sikamínia a kitten with a broken leg: if she could pass by > so will come with the kitten. And she was here at 9.30 a.m. > see further by CAT. We were able, in spite of a lot of other work, to do something in the cage of the Eagle Owl. At 10.03 a.m. a phone-call from Mytiléne from the vet Myrsíni Tourvalí: with the coach of 11 a.m. a young (??) Pigeon will be send. Should be bitten by a cat. That bird we had in our possession at 11.50 a.m. > see further by PIGEON. After today both trainees are leaning towards vegetarianism, so much meat was “digested” (more than 21 kilo!!). In spite of all, we don’t trust the juvenile Moorhen > remains too lethargic !! Thanks to the outdoor-cat “Foúrno”, which had “spotted” a young rat and bravely waited for us next to the rat, we were able with .22 lead to diminish again the W.R.P. with one. So the score for today is L.W.H. 2 – W.R.P. 0 !!

September 19^th:  all patients were still alive this morning, but the Moorhen is “fading away” more and more: at 5.50 a.m. hardly any food we could feed . . . !! The body-weight remained 120 gram. Discovered dead at 7.25 a.m.; cause of death probably a subdural- or epidural hemorrhage. We discovered today in the chest of the shot Turtle Dove(06-178; August 30^th) a shot-hole: we could remove a huge, cheesy scab. We removed the bandage around the wing of the White Stork: let’s hope he/she will leave the injury alone now. We have continued with the walls in de cage of the Eagle Owl. Eight English visitors from Colchester and two Greek visitors from Athens. Today we received an e-mail from Holland, that the deaf white cat “Wozzie” (06-149; July 24^th) can be re-homed over there. So will leave as well September 29^th. We received a phone-call from the new owners of the little Tom-cat “Strátos”, that they will take with them as well a fresh mother-cat with kittens > they’ll pass by the coming days. At 6.45 p.m. a phone-call from Pigadákia (Gulf of Géras) about a “heron-like bird” (Purple Heron or Grey Heron ??), which should be (probably ??) slightly injured on one wing > we’re going early tomorrow to pick-up the bird.

September 20^th:  at 8.20 a.m. we had, in the midst of the “reed-bushes” of Pigadákia the bird in our hands: a Grey Heron. Was locked-in in a guest-room during the night and had left lots of “markings”. According to the discoverer is was “a very special and rare bird, she never had seen before”. We left her under this impression. See further over there. For as well the White Stork as for the Grey Heron 4 kg of fishes were bought: 136 fishes for 20 Euro. At 12.05 the mother-cat “Éfta” with two kittens (1-1) were brought here by the new owners of “Strátos”. See further by CAT. Did the White Stork yesterday removed the last square of gauze from the wing-injury, further the injury was not touched anymore. The juvenile Grey Heron has opened the hemorrhage on the elbow. The injuries could as well point in the direction of an electrocution > we’ll see tomorrow. We discovered that the new cat “Éfta” has only a few nipples with milk: in any case one and maybe two. So the little ones ?? We agreed with the new owners that the law of nature will be followed. Tomorrow we must move-over lots of inhabitants of the Sick-Bay, because it’s starting to become a bit “overcrowded” over there > WE can hardly turn our “bums” over there anymore !!

September 21^st:  all patients were still alive this morning and the two little kittens were sucking very cosy. Our outdoor-cat “Foúrno” has diminished the W.R.P. again with one, to be sure a small one. But the White Stork will enjoy it, we think. And that was a miscalculation > pecking at yes, but eating no !! The whole upper arm of the Grey Heron is blue now, but the crisping had stopped. He/she doesn’t like to be caught at all, so one of us now has two sharp imprints of the bill-points in his forehead !! As well a “nice headache” was the result. Luckily there was pecked with an open bill, because a closed bill should have caused a “trepanation”. . . . !! In spite of the headache continued with the walls in the cage of the Eagle Owl: from the three wall that should be done, we’re now half-way. The cat “Éfta” was micro-chipped this morning. This was done by our trainee Karlijn, who has done so in a shelter in Holland several times. We received a message about the three thrown-away puppies (see September 12^th) > all three are re-homed. At 11.45 a.m. a phone-call from Mória about a Collared Dove which should sit quite bulging > how are we getting the bird over here ?? At the evening-feeding round we discovered that a strange “spot” on the throat of the Grey Heron was an shot-hole of a pellet. Maybe that the injury on the wing was as well caused by shot-pellets, but the bird isn’t so “friendly” that an examination can be done without problems !!

September 22^nd: no news from the Sick-Bay. However, from our “cat-population” there are two with severe problems at the moment: “Mister George” (04-029; March 5^th ’04) and “Oxy” (04-231a; October 13^th ’04). The first had at intake a huge hole in the throat (bitten by a dog) and had skin-problems. The injury we were able to cure (took half a year !) and the second problem was a “never ending story” > went and came back. However, now the problem is worsening and he is starting to isolate himself and eating hardly till nothing. We tried everything, up to and including corticosteroids, but . . . . The second came in after people had thrown over her and over her kittens battery-acid (sic) !! She should have still a plastic surgery on her skin, but as well she isn’t eating anymore for days now !! We discovered that the Grey Heron has a luxation (with a fracture?) of the right shoulder > is taped-in. At 8.05 a.m. a phone-call from molivos about a little bird in a bad condition. One will try to give the bird to the owner of the little tortoise-shell cat (see September 18^th), which will be taken back today. On our way to Kallonís for the micro-chipping of the deaf, white cat “Wozzie”, we discovered in the roads a juvenile HEN; sitting very forlorn in the midst of the street. A bit before a truck with poultry had taken the same road, so . . . . was fallen from the truck. Taken with us and taken-in. Isn’t injured so to see. At 9.53 the little bird was in our hands: a Sedge Warbler. See further by that name. The little tortoise-shell cat “Nimo” went back with the owner in a good condition. From the same owner an ex-Tom Cat was vaccinated (not in the statistics). In spite of all a bit could be done in the cage of the Eagle Owl. During the evening-feeding-round we discovered that the male of the two baby-kittens is opening the eyes already. So they are born days before the 16^th !! At 6.45 p.m. a phone-call from two friends, who had discovered just outside Skála Kallonís an injured kitten; hit by a car. Situation was quite severe. They were over here at 7 p.m. with the victim and his sister. See further by KITTEN.

September 23rd:  what was alive yesterday late in the evening, was still alive early this morning; even the Sedge Warbler. In the cage of the Eagle Owl the second wall is ready now. After the 3^rd wall only the connection between the walls and the roof must be done. Two Greek visitors from Mytiléne. With the help of a putty-knife we could in the Barn Owl-cage diminish the W.R.P. again with (a little) one.

September 24^th:  we were wakened just after 4.30 a.m. by the sound of the thunder and just before 6 a.m. there was a complete power-cut (of course !) for the whole island. This lasted for more than one hour ! With the help of torches and camping-gas-lights as good as possible tried to do the normal duties. Due to the heavy rain we had quite a lot of leakage in the Sick-Bay > it came between the connection of two transparent undulated roof-parts > in pouring rain tried to connect the two roof-parts with blind-rivets. As well in the cage of the Eagle Owl there was a leakage against the wall of the House-next-door. The Hen is transferred to the Pigeon-cage in “The Keep”. We were able to do a little bit in the cage of the Eagle Owl: the sand is só wet, that hardly anything can be done with it. Discovered that the little male kitten has both eyes complete open and that his sister is starting to open them. We have tried to release the Sedge Warbler, but without success because ánd the flying wasn’t well enough ánd it seemed there was a problem with seeing. We could remove the splint from the shot Turtle Dove (06-178; August 30^th): the fracture is healed. If (good enough) flying will be ever possible ?? We removed the scab on the back of the Pigeon of the 18^th > hereunder was a hole one could park a VW !! In any case the reason is nó bite-injury. Two Dutch visitors this morning.

September 25^th:  the Hen is doing quite well in the pigeon-cage > there are no quarrels in between the inhabitants over there. We continued in the cage of the Eagle Owl, but we had to stop due to a lack of sand and cement-powder. So we ordered 1 cubic meter of sand and 3 sacks (= 150 kilo) of cement-powder. During the jointing we gave the Hen a free walk in the passage of “The Keep” > was more than “interesting” for the Eagle Owl; tried to reach her . . . . !! The sand and the cement-powder were brought quite quick and our trainee Ramon did something for his condition (is going back-wards) by carrying 2 of the 3 sacks from the truck into the House-next-door. The 3^rd was carried by the truck-driver. Within a “hard” quarter of an hour the cubic meter of sand, dumped in the midst of the road, was shoveled to the side of the road by the two male members of our crew. After the siesta we discovered that the cat “Oxy” had some rotten molar-teeth in the left under-jaw > should can be the reason for the apathy and the refusing of eating. One molar-tooth could be removed without anesthetics, but hereafter a little complete anesthetic was necessary. See further by CAT.

September 26^th:  because the blind Tom-cat “Belly” (05-195; August 16^th ’05) started to be quite a lot dominant male, he had to “change place” early this morning (5 a.m. !!) with the rescued-from-the-street kitten “Gonda” (named after her rescuer), such in preparation for the “ball-skipping” and as well closing of the empty eye-sockets. The little “Gonda” meanwhile has already discovered where the cat-toilet is inside. Our outdoor-cat “Foúrno” has diminished the W.R.P. again with one. The two kittens from mother “Éfta” are starting to creep out of the bench; this displeasured their mother quite a lot !! Without any problems “Belly” is de-fathered and in the same surgery the empty eye-sockets were closed. We could do a little bit in the cage of the Eagle Owl, because we had 4 visitors: 2 from Holland and 2 from Stockport, Cheshire, England. We started giving the cat “Oxy” sub-cutanious fluid > she is a bit more lively (due to that ??). At 8.15 p.m. a phone-call from a desperate German woman from Pirgí (close to Mytiléne), where someone had poisoned 49 of her 50 cats !!  As good as possible we have tried to console her and advices were given who to inform about this and how to make a charge. We could arrange that the juvenile Collared Dove (see September 21^st) will be picked-up by one of us today.

September 27^th:  all animals were still alive early this morning and the cat “Oxy” is resisting more and more during the sub-cutanious injections. The ex-tom-cat “Mister George”  started eating a little bit better, but his skin remains a real “mess”. The immense hole in the back of the Pigeon (see September 24^th) is closing slowly. Even before breakfast we could continue in the cage of the Eagle Owl, but after a while the back started to give problems, so we had to stop. We received a phone-call from Mytiléne that the (indeed juvenile) Collared Dove was in our hands at 10.07 a.m. Hereafter 2 Dutch visitors. At 7.25 p.m. a phone-call from Pétra from the discoverers of the two kittens, hit by a car: they probably want to take with them to Holland a puppy from about 12 weeks old from Ánaxos.

September 28^th:  at arrival in the Sick-Bay at 5.30 a.m. the Sedge Warbler was almost dead > put down. Was better so, because much “future” wasn’t present anymore. After breakfast we were able to do something in the cage of the Eagle Owl. The last wall is half ready now. At 11.55 a.m. a phone-call from Mytiléne from the Vet Myrsíni Tourvalí about a small, colored birdie in not such a good condition; could be a Kingfisher. Will be send by the coach of 1.15 p.m. The puppy came and we arranged everything for the transport tomorrow > not in the statistics. At 2.02 p.m. we had the birdie in our possession and indeed: it was a Kingfisher. See further over there. In the afternoon 4 Dutch visitors.

September 29^th:  all patients were still alive at 5.30 a.m. The Kingfisher wasn’t turning with the head anymore and was sitting wonderful straight. Bodyweight was 25 gram (and that’s only 2 gram lesser than at intake > so normal). At 9.15 a.m. we took our leave of Ineke, who departed for Holland with lots of kittens and cats:

Re-homed in Holland:

Departed for a better life are: “Vélda” (06-109b; June 17^th), “Wozzie” (06-149; July 24^th), “Strátos” (06-168; August 15^th) and the mother “Éfta” (06-193a-c; September 20^th) with her two kittens.

At 9.45 we received (on our way back to base and already very close) a phone-call from Mória about . . . . again a juvenile Collared Dove; this time had hit a window and was vomiting grey fluid. Advices were given how to handle this case, because we couldn’t turn back and pick-up the bird. At arrival at base 2 Dutch visitors. At 1.40 p.m. a phone-call from the Shell-Petrol-Station on the main road (junction to Ágia Paraskeví) that someone had left over there an injured bird > picked-up. The most probable is a juvenile Corncrake > see over there. We received a phone-call from Holland that the transport and the transfer of the kittens has happened without problems.

September 30^th:  all were still alive at 5 a.m. The Kingfisher had diminished again with 2 gram > so we’re going for a release today as soon as possible.

Release:

and that happened at 7.50 a.m. in the “East River” in Kallonís, close to the see. And while we properly speaking hardly had expected, the bird was flying só quickly, that we couldn’t take a picture !!

We removed the splint around the shoulder of the Grey Heron > now watching how the wing will be used. During the morning 2 Dutch visitors. While we were showing them around, a neighbor’s wife came and told us there was a doggie in the Agorá, hit by a car > we told her that the doggie should be brought here. Was over here at 11.45 a.m.: quite a young bitch with a collar (so has an owner). Had no broken legs (as was announced), but internal bleedings (blood was coming out of the vulva). Only Konakion was injected, because we couldn’t do more. Not in the statistics. Hereafter 3 German visitors: 1 from Mólivos and two from Aachen. At 9 p.m. still a phone-call from Mytiléne about a pigeon, which should be injured (cat-bite ?) and should miss lots of feathers > one will try to send the bird tomorrow by coach.

Total amount of visitors this month:  070                      (total this year: 582)

Kinds of animals who are mentioned like this were for the first time in treatment in the L.W.H.  

Amount of kilometers (Animal-Ambulance) for bringing-in/releasing animals this month 608 (total this year 3006 kilometers)

Total amount of intakes this month: 28 [wild ones: 14; others 14], (total this year 244 > : wild ones 136, others 108; total since the start of registration in 1996: 3487),  of which:

KITTEN (Felis catus): 3; the first was a juvenile tortoise-shell from Skála Kallonís > will go next Monday to Belgium. (see September 4^th) See further as well by CAT. the registered as nrs 2 and 3 were discovered just outside Skála Kallonís; about 4-5 weeks old. The male was hit by a car and the female was sitting in the midst of the road, completely infatuated. Wasn’t injured at all; only shell-shock > social intake-indication. The male had severe brain-damage (right pupil was light-stiff) and the left eye had come out completely. Lungs however were clean and there were still reflexes. Mouth and nostrils were sucked out, making breathing more easy. Left eye was removed and eyelids (temporarily) closed. Konakion was injected. Almost one hour after intake the situation was so bad (cerebral hemorrhages with skull-fractures) that we had to decide putting him down.

HOUSE MARTIN (Delichon urbica): 1 juvenile from Mólivos > fracture left wing with injury. Was August 31^st blown by a strong wind against a fence and discovered by Dutch tourists. In spite of advices not to feed (we didn’t know whát kind of bird it was), one had tried to feed bread and water !! (See as well September 15^th & 18^th).

PIGEON (Columba livia): 5; all from Mytiléne; the first was quite weakened and had hardly any flesh anymore on the breast. Was breathing as well quite difficult > put under antibiotics, but . . . . ?? Discovered dead at 5.10 p.m. > became fox-food. The 2^nd was a juvenile and injured on the right elbow. (See as well September 16^th). The 3^rd (announced as a Collared Dove) was a juvenile as well and was injured on the right wing: almost all big feathers were missing and there was (probably) a fracture in/by the pulse. Hanging-cast was given (See as well September 15^th & 16^th). Number 4 had (had) fine cotton around both legs > left leg was hanging only on one tendon > removed. From the right leg some cotton could be removed. Maybe there are two toes from this foot which can be saved. Was as well quite thin. The prognosis isn’t well at all. (See as well September 15^th & 16^th). The 5^th was announced as a “young one” (and of course, wasn’t !), which should be bitten by a cat. The latter fitted, but that were only superficial skin-injuries, and that couldn’t be the reason the bird was very malnourished. What could be an explanation for that, was an old shot-injury in the abdomen, just under the left leg. Herein was a thick, cheesy scab. That was removed and antibiotic-spray was used. For the cat-bite 3 days Lincospectin i.m. was given. Besides, the bird was missing about 80% of the tail-feathers and from each wing about 30% of the big feathers.

BITCH (Canis familiaris): 1 young Boxer from Skála Eressoú. Had given birth August 31^st (primipara) and was still leaking greenish mucous. Had temperature as well. Examined (external and internal) > no dead puppies were present and as well no placentas. Antibiotics were given to inject over there.

DOG (Canis familiaris): 2 quite young animals from the shelter in Skála Eressoú, “Rupert” and “Foxy”. Exactly 65 minutes after intake both animals left, wagging the tail, the L.W.H.; together 23 gram lesser.

WHITE BARN OWL (Tyto a. alba): 1 adult from the Barn Owl-cage in “The Keep”. Had been taken-in already twice this year (see July 4^th & 21^st). Now again quite severe mauled. It’s highly questionable whether the bird will make it this time. Discovered dead next morning at 5 a.m. Plucking the carcass we discovered over the whole body lots of hemorrhages and many holes.

PUPPY (Canis familiaris): 1 thrown-away, ± 3-4 weeks old little bitch from Skála Polichnítos. Was too young to be vaccinated, but there was skin enough for micro-chipping. De-worming cream and goat-milk was given. The little one is going to Mechernich in Germany.

MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus): 1 juvenile from our village > was discovered at a kafeníon . A bit injured on the head. Flew against something ?? Was much too light (only 122 gram). Trying to keep him/her alive, pepping-up and as soon as possible a release (see September 19^th).

SEDGE WARBLER (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus): 2; the first was discovered just outside of our village beside the road. Flew against a car ?? Observation brain damage.

(see as well September 18^th). The 2^nd came from Mólivos and wasn’t in a good condition. Or was bitten, or had flown against something. In any case prophylactic antibiotics were injected. In the afternoon he/she kept the head turned to the right > so a cerebral injury is the most probable now. (see September 24^th & 28^th)

CAT (Felis catus): 3 (+2); the first was a quite young “Tortoise-shell”, discovered in Skála Sikamínia. Should have a fracture of the left front-leg > however is an immense abscess (??) at the elbow. A puncture was done, but without results (is too biting).  Antibiotics per injection and taken-in for further treatment. Had a puncture the 19^th for the second time and with success > lots of pus came out. Went back the 22^nd in a good condition. The 2^nd came from Eftaloú and had just delivered (September 16^th) 2 kittens > are going to Holland.

The 3^rd was our own “Oxy” and we had to do under complete anesthetics some “dentist’s work. Maybe it’s helping a little bit to let her recover more. As well she was put under a huge “umbrella” of antibiotics.

GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea): 1 juvenile (2006), discovered in the reed-bushes in Pigadákia > could hardly fly when we picked him/her up. At arrival in the L.W.H. no injuries could be discovered. The first fed fishes were vomited. So observation. After further examinations it showed that there were hemorrhages in the right elbow and ditto shoulder. The skin was “crisping” here as well. Antibiotics were injected and soft food given.

Showed to be shot (see September 21^st, but as well the 22^nd)

CHICKEN (Gallus gallus dom.): 1 half-grown one, discovered just outside the L.W.H. in the streets, after a truck with poultry had passed. Nothing wrong so to see (see September 24^th).

CAT (Felis catus): 1 from the L.W.H. > “Belly”. Both crown-jewels were “skipped” and in the same surgery both empty eye-sockets were closed by removing the eye-lids and closing them with stitches.

COLLARED DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto): 1 juvenile from Mória > so trying to bring it up. Is by the way quite late in the year.

KINGFISHER (Alcedo atthis): 1 adult female, discovered in Pámfila and delivered by a Vet in Mytiléne > observation brain-damage (is turning the head continuously). Right eye is remaining behind as well. Body-weight was only 27 gram in stead of the 40-45 which should be normal.

Was this little one yesterday only laying in our hands (because standing-up was impossible and as well the keeping of the balance), today we could take a picture of her, jaunty sitting on the water-bowl.

(see for the release September 30^th).

CORNCRAKE (Crex crex): 1 juvenile from ??? Seems to be discovered yesterday (September 28^th) by someone and was delivered today at the Shell-Petrol-Station. Probably was hit on the head. Observation brain-damage. We’re waiting for a message from Holland about the confirmation of the species. At a further examination we discovered that the skin of the head was quite scalped > closed with 3 stitches.