OJAI, Calif., Aug. 7 (Nationwide Times) — Jackie, the bald eagle associated with the Big Bear Valley nest-cam, remains in critical condition at the Ojai Raptor Center, where veterinarians are providing intensive treatment and monitoring. The center’s latest reported update said her anemia had worsened and that advanced diagnostic testing was underway.
Ojai Raptor Center identified Jackie in its records as “Patient 26-519.” The center said her packed cell volume, or PCV, had fallen to 13%. PCV measures the share of blood made up of red blood cells. A low result is a sign of anemia, which can reduce the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.
The latest update follows a temporary improvement. Ojai Raptor Center previously reported that Jackie’s PCV rose from 8% to 16% after a weekend setback. At that time, the center said she was eating on her own and showing more energy and alertness, though her blood count remained below normal.
What is known about her illness?
The center has reported that Jackie is anemic and has inflammation affecting her kidneys. Veterinarians have not determined the underlying cause of those problems.
Testing ruled out lead toxicosis, or lead poisoning, as well as foreign objects such as fishing hooks, fishing line and weights, according to the center. Earlier reports said testing for other possible causes, including zinc or rodenticide exposure, was pending, but the supplied updates do not provide results for those tests.
Jackie also received a blood transfusion. The donated blood came from Spirit, a resident bald eagle at the California Living Museum in Bakersfield. Ojai Raptor Center described the transfusion as an important treatment milestone.
Why did her care change?
At one point, Jackie was moved from the intensive-care unit to a regular hospital-care unit because she no longer needed oxygen therapy. Ojai Raptor Center cautioned that the move did not mean she was safe or fully recovered. The center said she still required intensive treatment and close observation.
The later drop in PCV shows why her condition remains difficult to assess. A move out of intensive care can mark progress in one part of treatment, while blood tests may show that a serious underlying problem continues.
The most recent update provided does not establish whether Jackie remains in the regular hospital unit or has returned to intensive care. It also does not provide a confirmed diagnosis, prognosis or expected release date.
How did Jackie reach the center?
The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation’s San Dimas Raptor Rescue team said it rescued an injured bald eagle after a fight with two other eagles and transported the bird to the Ojai Raptor Center. ABC News described the bird as presumed to be Jackie; the available updates do not provide definitive identification details.
The case connects wildlife rehabilitation efforts in several parts of California: the rescue took place through a Los Angeles County team, treatment is being provided in Ojai, and the transfusion donor was housed in Bakersfield.
For now, the latest reported status is unchanged in its most important respect: Jackie is still very sick, and veterinarians are working to identify why her red blood cell count fell.