Hello Friends, pictured here is a Mute Swan who is currently resting comfortably after surgery. He was admitted a few days ago after being found by Animal Control in Norwell. Laying on the side of the road, he exhibited signs of generalized weakness and was unable to walk. Once brought into New England Wildlife Center’s hospital his preliminary examination found him to also be suffering slight dehydration, our veterinarian also observed muscle spasms around the neck and head area.. which led to the discovery of the fishing hook which was embedded deep in the Swan’s neck. Secondary diagnostics, including X-rays, gave a good outline of the injury.
The hook had lodged itself deep within the tissue of the neck. The initial wound had healed, basically sealing the hook inside. To take it out would require surgery. The Swan was put under general anesthesia, and the vets made a small incision into the neck to remove the hook. It was successfully removed, and the wound bandage. He is being treated for possible infection, and is also on pain medication. We expect his wound to heal well, and he will be released at the start of Spring! As he gains strength he will begin daily PT inside our enrichment ward. He will swim in our tubs and eat his lunch (lettuce and other veggies) as he would out in the wild. Such activities are imperative to maintain their independence in order to thrive once released.