Trauma-Induced Uveitis and Free Air in the Anterior Chamber of Three Eastern Screech Owls (Megascops asio)

Unusual ocular abnormalities were documented in 3 wild eastern screech owls (Megascops asio) presented to a wildlife rehabilitation hospital after vehicular strike-induced trauma to the head. All 3 had anterior uveitis and free air bubbles in the anterior chamber, but none of the cases had any discernable corneal damage, either grossly or with fluorescein stain technique. Perforation of the globe at the level of the scleral ossicle was considered a possible cause. All 3 cases recovered with standard treatment for anterior uveitis, and the free air was absorbed within 10-14 days and did not appear to cause any lingering complications. The owls were later released back into the wild after demonstrating the ability to navigate obstacles in a flight cage and capture live prey.