Cystadenocarcinoma and leiomyoma in a peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus brookei )

Care of the Geriatric Raptor

Despite falconry having been practiced for centuries and with a wealth of published material on the husbandry of captive raptors over that period, there is a paucity of published material on the care of the geriatric raptor. Raptors are often a long-lived species and can suffer a range of age-related conditions that may impact on their welfare. This article seeks to cover some of these conditions and look at welfare considerations in the management of geriatric raptors, including quality-of-life assessments and euthanasia decision making.

Characterization of an Unusual Mesenchymal Tumor in the Proventriculus of a Free-ranging Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

An adult, female red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) was presented for examination after being found unable to fly on a private citizen's property. Further diagnostic testing revealed a vascular, soft tissue mass arising from the serosal surface of the proximal proventriculus. Postmortem histological and immunohistochemical examination of the mass revealed an unusual mesenchymal tumor with features consistent with a leiomyoma or low-grade gastrointestinal stromal tumor.

The aging raptor

There is little information available in the literature regarding geriatric raptor medicine. Estimating the life span of birds of prey and evaluating factors that influence longevity are continuing to be explored. Identifying disease conditions that arise with advancing age may involve various body systems including the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and others. Falconry, exhibit, and wildlife raptors are reviewed with regard to factors that affect their mortality, life expectancy, and age evaluation. In addition, medical conditions that are frequently seen in geriatric raptors are covered in this article.