August 30, 2017
In May 2015, CMS Imaging, Inc. donated a Mobile Digital X-Ray System to the Avian
Conservation Center, located in Awendaw, South Carolina. The Avian Medical Clinic, an
operating division within the Avian Conservation Center, treats more than 600 injured or
orphaned birds of prey and shorebirds per year. The donation of the Digital X-Ray System
has greatly assisted with the treatment of these birds, "With this X-Ray machine we are
able to treat the birds faster and more effectively, using less anesthesia, which is
always better for the bird." said Debbie Mauney, Avian Medical Clinic Director.
During a visit to the Center to see how the X-Ray equipment was performing, Debbie
Mauney and the clinic staff were conducting a follow-up examination of a Swallow-tailed
Kite, which had been injured when it was gunshot and a shotgun pellet fractured its
right ulna.
The Swallow-tailed Kite is indigenous to South Carolina and Georgia and is easily
identified by their forked tail feathers. "Regardless of your level of experience, no
one can mistake the Swallow-tailed Kite’s forked tail, making them reliable to identify
for both medical and research initiatives," said Daniel Prohaska, the Center's
Development Officer. Swallow-tailed Kites are distinctive in their black and white
plumage and are approximately 20 - 25 inches tall and weigh between 13 and 18 ounces.
Mauney emphasized, "Because of the low body mass of birds in general, long periods of
sedation can be risky." The donation of the Mobile Digital X-Ray System by CMS Imaging
allows the staff to x-ray, view the image, and determine a course of action within
minutes. "Previously, we used film x-ray images which would take up to 30 minutes, now
we have our images as fast as we can walk from the X-Ray room to the treatment room,"
said Mauney.
This kite had been rescued by the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and transported to the
Center for surgery and rehabilitation. "With this X-Ray machine, we were quickly able to
see that the break in this bird's wing was a clean break, which can be more difficult to
treat," said Mauney. After unsuccessfully trying to mend the wing using bone grafts,
this kite required surgery to have a pin placed to help mend the bones. The surgeon was
able to use the images to assist with the insertion of the pin and future images will
assist in the kite's recovery.
The Digital X-Ray System will also be invaluable to the Center in the event of
contaminant spill along the South Carolina coast. The South Carolina Oiled Bird
Treatment Facility, another division of the Avian Conservation Center, is designated in
the US Coast Guard Area Contingency Plan as the official repository for oiled birds in
South Carolina. In the event of an incident, the staff will use the X-Ray equipment to
help examine the affected birds for any injuries not visible due to the effects of the
oil.
"This Digital X-Ray has the potential to save the lives of many critically injured
birds." said Mauney.
The Avian Conservation Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that identifies
and addresses vital environmental issues by providing medical care to injured birds of
prey and shorebirds, and through educational, research and conservation initiatives.
Recognizing the critical role of birds of prey as unparalleled indicators of the overall
health of the ecosystem, the Center is the only facility of its kind in the nation
comprehensively combining science, education, research, medical care, captive breeding
and oiled bird treatment. With this multi-disciplinary approach to conservation, the
Center is defining and fostering a value system that will literally determine what of
the natural world will be preserved and what will be irrevocably lost.
On October 21, 2017, The Center will showcase its resident collection of birds of
prey at "Wild at Wingswood." Fine dining, an expansive bar, and a unique raffle and
silent auction will provide for an unforgettable evening with the proceeds going
directly to assist the Center in accomplishing its mission. If you are interested in
assisting the Center please consider attending one of their interactive events, making a
donation, or becoming a volunteer. To find out more, please visit their website at
www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org.
CMS Imaging, Inc. is the premier healthcare solutions provider specializing in the
sales and service of diagnostic medical imaging equipment in the Southeast. We offer a
full line of solutions for all of your MRI, CT, Digital X-Ray, Fluoroscopic,
Angiographic, Software, and Medical Accessory needs.
CMS Imaging, Inc. is a proud partner of the Avian Conservation Center and is honored
to be a small part of the rescue and rehabilitation of these injured birds.
Phil Reichner
843.300.4924
preichner@cmsimaging.com