This Barred Owl has torticollis, a neurological condition often caused by head trauma or neck muscle damage. Right now, it cannot eat on its own and relies on hand or tube feeding until its condition improves.
We have successfully treated patients with torticollis in the past using a regimen of medications to relax the neck muscles, anti-inflammatories, and time. Our team is also exploring physio therapy as a potential way to help this owl regain balance and strength.
With ongoing care and community support, this owl has a real chance to heal and eventually return home to the wild.
Torticollis is also called wry neck, crook neck, or stargazing.
There can be a lot of different causes for this condition, so treatment options vary.
Hopefully this owl will get all fixed soon!
Poor thing! Looks painful.
I know! I’ve had kinks in my neck, but never anything like this! And they have twice the neck to begin with.