What about tests

[GreyGoose]

I was wondering when people posts about their greys getting tests. I guess it would be up to the vet but how do they do these test to find out like vitamin levels or something do they take blood? and how? because I think I would like to know or just make sure hes ok with all that stuff, but I dont want them to hurt him, it almost makes me cry to see them trim his nails but he for the most part does a good job himself.

[Lisa B]

yes, they take blood. the best place is from the neck, but only a bird vet with alot of experience should do that, because if not done properly, it can kill them.
some take from the leg, and that is what we do with Emma because of her twisted neck. Under the wing is bad, because its hard to clot there and they can get blood clots under the skin. My one grey had one the size of two quaters from a bad blood draw. We thought he might to have his wing amputated in the future if it caused trouble. What kind of trouble I dont remember as it was in the early 90's....but he did not ever have to have it amputated.

[MsDoolittle]

Blood is typically drawn from the right jugular vein, as it is quite large and easy to access. Up to 1% of the bird's blood volume can be taken safely, which equals out to about 1mL to 100 grams of body weight. In larger parrots, like greys, 2 people will do the blood drawing; one will do the actual blood drawing and the other person will stabilize the head and neck, while gently restraining the wings and feet from flailing, usually using a thin towel.

Once the vein has been pierced by the needle, the actual blood drawing will only take a few seconds. Then the blood is taken from the syringe and put into the appropriate container, depending on the test being performed. Blood tests vary depending on your vet, and different labs offer different testing 'profiles'. For example, one lab that we used offered a complete plasma biochemical profile, plus a complete blood count (CBC), as well as testing for the most common diseases such as Psitticosis/Chlamydiosis, Pacheco's, etc.

A biochemical profile is essentially mostly enzymes given off by different organs of the body, such as the liver and kidneys, and it also may include such things as cholesterol level, bile acids, glucose, calcium levels, etc. This will often tell you if certain organs/systems of the body are having 'problems'. The CBC measures different components of blood, such as red and white blood cells, as well as certain types of specialized cells. This can tell you things like if your bird is anemic or is trying to fight infection.

If your bird has never had bloodwork and even if he is presumed healthy, it is good to get a 'baseline', i.e. a normal range of results for your bird. Then, if he did ever get sick, the vet can compare any abnormal results with the normal ones.

Typically, in my own experience, most AGs hate being restrained by towels, especially by strangers, so be sure your vet has LOTS of bird experience and don't ever feel silly about asking questions. AFter all, the vet is working for YOU, so he/she should take time to go over the tests with you and explain what everything means. I tried to find a link to a lab, but I have since forgotten who we used when I worked at the vet!

Hope this helps you.

[Lisa B]

Thanks MsDoolittle...I thought by your knowledge you might have some vet experience there! welcome aboard!

[huntress]

Oh goody - we need her here! Great info!

[MsDoolittle]

Lol, well it's been three years since I did all that, but I worked almost 5 years there prior to my quitting. I still have good contacts and lots of good reference books! I have had a child in the interim, so my brain is still, er, foggy, so I'll try to help if I can!

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