"  I have owned and cared for birds for over 30 years.  In that time, I have witnessed     numerous changes in the recommendations made for nutrition, husbandry, and general care.  I believe that we, as avian caregivers, are now on much more solid footing in recognizing all the elements needed to provide a happy home for our birds.  "  

~Dr. Hugh Hays, DVM

PET BIRDS:   THE ANNUAL WELLNESS EXAM

Many bird owners are surprised to learn that all pets, including their birds, need an initial visit by an avian veterinarian and at least an annual wellness exam.  Regular veterinary care is necessary in order to ensure your bird lives a long, healthy life. The most important visit is the very first one, right after you acquire your pet bird. During this visit, the veterinarian will perform a physical examination and various diagnostic testing, to determine your bird’s state of health and see if your pet might be harboring any diseases that require treatment. The visit should also include a thorough discussion of proper feeding, housing, care, and grooming of your new pet.

Parts of the Avian Wellness Exam

While each doctor has his own protocol on what is done during the initial visit, the following tests may be recommended to keep your bird healthy. Many avian veterinarians recommend performing some of these tests (ex: radiographs, microchip insertion). under short-acting gas anesthesia, using an anesthetic like isoflurane or sevoflurane. Most birds can be safely anesthetized for the short period of time needed to perform the procedure. It is usually much easier and safer to perform such procedures on birds under anesthesia, as they are not stressed out when anesthetized and stress is a major factor in birds dying when handled. 

Physical Examination

Every visit begins with a thorough physical examination. During the exam, the doctor will record your pet’s weight, general appearance, and mobility. He will palpate (feel) various parts of the pet’s body. Any abnormalities that are noted (or changes that have occurred since the previous visit) may indicate the need for specialized testing.  The veterinarian will discuss with you the routine grooming of nails, wings, and sometimes beak.  Due to the use of artificial lighting, birds molt differently in captivity than in the wild.  If you wish to keep your bird's wings trimmed, we will need to see your bird 2 - 4 times a year for routine wing trimming. Nails are trimmed to allow for comfortable perching. Nails also grow at different rates (just like feathers), so routine nails trims may also be needed. 

Blood Testing

Just as your regular human doctor visit includes blood testing, so does a wellness exam for pets. Early diagnostic screening often includes a complete blood count (CBC) to examine the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelet count; and a chemistry panel, to measure organ function (liver and kidneys) and overall health (cholesterol, triglycerides, and calcium levels)

Specialized Testing

Additional testing may include testing for chlamydiosis (also called psittacosis, this tests for a disease which is transmissible to other pets and to people), polyoma virus, psittacine beak and feather disease, avian herpes virus, and avian influenza. The need for testing will depend upon findings from other tests or your species of birds (some species are more likely to develop certain diseases.)  

If your bird will be boarding with us or another boarding facility there are specific requirements that are performed on a yearly basis.  Please let our staff know if your bird is boarding somewhere other than Summertree so the correct diagnostics are performed.   A boarding health certificate will be faxed to that facility once the diagnostics are completed.  

Fecal Analysis

Microscopic examination of the feces allows detection of parasites (ex: coccidia and roundworms).

Microbiological Testing

Special stains (called Gram’s stains) allow examination of the cloacal and choanal regions of your bird. The doctor uses these stains to determine the presence of abnormal bacteria and yeasts. Depending upon the findings, additional tests such as a culture and sensitivity may be needed to identify the type of bacteria or yeasts, and formulate the appropriate treatment.

Radiographs

Radiographs (x-rays) allow our veterinarians to examine the "inside" of your pet for abnormalities in the size, shape, and position of internal organs; screen for masses such as tumors or granulomas; identify abnormal fluid accumulation; and evaluate the bones and joints.

Information mentioned above is based on articles written by © Copyright 2005 Lifelearn Inc. Used with permission under license. September 9, 2011