Falcon Enzo to undergo rare bird cataract surgery

VETS will perform a cataract operation on a bird of prey for the first time in the South West next week.

The veterinary team at South Devon Referrals, Abbotskerswell, will perform the operation on three-year-old lanner falcon Enzo.

Enzo has cataracts in both eyes and cannot fly without bumping into things.

His owner, falconer Nigel Brown (pictured with Enzo) from Newton Abbot, first noticed problems with flying the bird about 18 months ago.

He explained: "It started when Enzo wouldn't land on the glove. Instead he tried to land on a horse.

"When I first took Enzo to the vets he had some sight, but things have gradually become worse.

"He has now finished his moult and we thought the time was right to do the operation."

The visual acuity of lanner falcons is much higher than that of humans, enabling them to spot prey from far away and high up while hunting on the wing.

But there is very little information on the incidence of cataracts in birds.

Vet Ian Sayers, who is certified in zoological medicine, and colleague Jim Carter, a recognised specialist in veterinary ophthalmology, will perform the operation.

Mr Carter, who regularly performs cataract surgery on dogs and cats, said: "The procedure in dogs and cats is a routine part of what I do but is very different in a bird of prey.

"They have conscious control of the pupil size, which mammals don't.

"Although the eyeball is relatively bigger than in mammals it is still pretty small, and eyes are delicate whatever the species.

"We hope Enzo will make a good recovery. Sadly his eyesight won't be perfect because the lens can't be replaced like it can in humans or dogs, but without surgery it is likely the eyes will deteriorate further and become painful."

The surgery is due to take place at the newly opened Abbotskerswell Veterinary Centre, Newton Abbot on Tuesday.