OJAI, Calif., Aug. 7 (Nationwide Times) — Jackie, the bald eagle associated with the Big Bear Valley nest camera, remains in critical condition at the Ojai Raptor Center, where veterinarians are providing intensive treatment and monitoring.
The center’s latest reported update said Jackie’s packed cell volume, or PCV, had fallen from 16% to 13%. PCV measures the share of blood made up of red blood cells. A low result is a sign of anemia, a condition in which the blood cannot carry as much oxygen as it normally would.
Ojai Raptor Center said advanced diagnostic testing and expedited laboratory work were underway. The center has not identified the underlying cause of Jackie’s anemia and kidney inflammation.
Why her condition has changed
Jackie’s condition has shown both improvement and setbacks during her treatment in California.
After a weekend decline, the center reported that her PCV had increased from 8% to 16%. At that time, she was eating on her own and showed more energy and alertness.
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.
Testing ruled out lead toxicosis, or lead poisoning, as well as foreign objects such as fishing hooks, fishing line and weights. However, those results did not explain why Jackie became anemic. Earlier updates also described inflammation affecting her kidneys. The results of testing for other possible causes, including zinc or rodenticide exposure, were not provided in the reported updates.
What the move out of intensive care means
Ojai Raptor Center previously reported that Jackie had moved from its intensive-care unit to a regular hospital care unit because she no longer needed oxygen therapy. The center said the move was an encouraging step but stressed that Jackie remained very sick and still required intensive care and monitoring.
The later drop in PCV means that improvement was not sustained in her most recent reported bloodwork. The available updates do not say whether Jackie remains in the regular hospital unit or has returned to intensive care.
They also do not provide a current prognosis, a confirmed diagnosis or a date for possible release.
How Jackie came to 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 information does not provide definitive identification details.
Jackie’s treatment has involved several California wildlife organizations. The rescue took place through the county’s San Dimas team, care is being provided in Ojai, and the blood transfusion donor was housed in Bakersfield.
For now, the clearest measure of Jackie’s health is the veterinary team’s latest report: She remains critically ill, her anemia has worsened, and further testing is being expedited while veterinarians continue treatment.
