Jugular blood draws on parrots

[The Outlaw]

Just thought I'd post the response that I got when I contacted Dr. Clarke of the Quakertown Veterinary Clinic in Pennsylvania. Here is what she wrote:

Dear Ms. Rattigan:

I am in receipt of your letter of February 25th, and in answer to your question, there are many accepted styles, methods and sites for drawing blood from parrots. My preferred site is the jugular and my preferred style is solo.

Every veterinarian has their own style and method for taking, and as long as the animal's well being is not compromised, then how it is done should not be a concern.

The rest of the letter deals with her knowing my vet and liking and respecting him.

I gotta tell ya, I was very surprised, but in the interest of fairness, I felt it my duty to post her response. It seems that Mary was correct about how her vet draws blood. She didn't mention anything about anesthesia however and I doubt that most vets would go that route. However, since she didn't address it, I will not assume anything.

[FeathersNFur8]

Every veterinarian has their own style and method for taking, and as long as the animal's well being is not compromised, then how it is done should not be a concern.

I highly disagree with this statement. My bird, my money, and HOW anything is done by my AV, is my concern.

If my AV ever told me, that how procedures are done to my bird, is not my concern, they would no longer be my AV.

[Vincent_The_Bird]

I think what matters is their skill at taking it. I know working with nurses some have the touch and (unlike the one that just stabbed me today, I ended up doing it) and some don't (ie if they tell you to smack your own arm, get someone else) - I'd never attempt on my birds though : )

Outlaw, I *honestly* know nothing about Maccaws and am very realativly new to the bird world, wouldn't anesthesia be dangerous for birds?

[Monica]

Some birds don't wake up from anesthesia, however they have gotten to a point where anesthesia is safe for healthy birds (i.e. one that is sick and near death may have a lesser chance of coming out of it). I know the procedure of giving it (putting a cup or tube over the birds head with a hose that goes down to a machine that provides the anesthesia), or that is what I have seen on TV... All assuming of course.

Karen, it is right that it is YOUR concern as to how the bird is cared for at the vets, though I believe what Dr. Clarke was trying to get across was that as long as the birds health is not in jeapordy, and the withdrawel of the blood is done correctly, it should not be a concern to the bird? Or maybe either way...