Psittacosis testing

[Missi]

My vet said it is complicated to test for Psittacosis. I think he said it has something to do with cell or bacteria groupings, I don't remember because he was talking in long drawn out dr. talk. I think I have read that somewhere as well, however I also hear from a few that it is a simple blood test. Can I get some insight from the pros please?

Thank you

[Lynjupiter]

I test for Psitt all the time at the rescue. The vet comes in, draws blood and Fed Exs the test out to a lab. Results come back with in seven days.
We have never had any problem with false positives or anything like that. The tests runs about about 75-100 dollars including shipping.
I know they can also do swabs but most of the better vets prefer a blood draw.

Lynda

Originally Posted by Missi

My vet said it is complicated to test for Psittacosis. I think he said it has something to do with cell or bacteria groupings, I don't remember because he was talking in long drawn out dr. talk. I think I have read that somewhere as well, however I also hear from a few that it is a simple blood test. Can I get some insight from the pros please?

Thank you

[GreetingCardReligion]

Maybe he meant it was complicated for lab technicians (why it takes 7 days and needs to be shipped out) but not for your bird?

[Missi]

Well crap. I found some info about psittacosis testing online. Do you think he would be offended, or it would be wrong of me it I brought it in for him to look at? I'm a bit confused and concerned now....

[The Outlaw]

Missi:

I'm not clear about what you are asking? Are you asking whether or not to bring the bird to the vet? Or, are you asking that he draw blood and you send it off? I have done that in the past. I have had my vet do an exam and draw blood. I then FedEx'd the vials to Avian Biotech. It cost me less to have my own tests run and I also got a good avian exam for less than it would have cost for the vet to send the sample out. I think a basic office visit with my vet is $60. The blood test was something like $25 and $35 or so for shipping. The same test, done by the vet, would have been $90 in addition to the OV. I saved $30. Actually, since I had 4 tests run with the same sample, I wound up saving $120.

[Buzz7]

Missi, absolutely bring your info into the vet!! In this day of vast information and specialists it's really important to take responsibility for your own health care and I think that would apply to the animal realm as well!

NEVER let your fear of bothering or offending a doctor stand in your way (as long as you are kind and respectful- in my opinion there's no excuse for rudeness even if they ARE wrong). A good doctor (and more than you would imagine) appreciate the info; so many times problems are just a case of miscommunication or misunderstanding.

[Missi]

Originally Posted by The Outlaw

Missi:

I'm not clear about what you are asking? Are you asking whether or not to bring the bird to the vet? Or, are you asking that he draw blood and you send it off? I have done that in the past. I have had my vet do an exam and draw blood. I then FedEx's the vials to Avian Biotech. It cost me less to have my own tests run and I also got a good avian exam for less than it would have cost for the vet to send the sample out. I think a basic office visit with my vet is $60. The blood test was something like $25 and $35 or so for shipping. The same test, done by the vet, would have been $90 in addition to the OV. I saved $30. Actually, since I had 4 tests run with the same sample, I wound up saving $120.

My bird has already been to the vet. She is on an antibiotic for gram positive bacteria in her mouth and a couple little sores in there as well. She goes back in 2 weeks to check the progress. I was just wanting more information on psittacosis testing because I was confused about what the vet told me. The only reason I am concerned about psittacosis is because her urine and urates are a bit of a medium green color. The vet said it didn't look that bad, though. In the gram stain of her poo, all that was found was gram negative, so that is good at least.

So if something comes up positive, does Avian Biotech provide the medication, or do you then have to take the results to the vet? I am intrugued about this "test yourself" concept! Anything to save some money!

[Missi]

Originally Posted by Buzz7

Missi, absolutely bring your info into the vet!! In this day of vast information and specialists it's really important to take responsibility for your own health care and I think that would apply to the animal realm as well!

NEVER let your fear of bothering or offending a doctor stand in your way (as long as you are kind and respectful- in my opinion there's no excuse for rudeness even if they ARE wrong). A good doctor (and more than you would imagine) appreciate the info; so many times problems are just a case of miscommunication or misunderstanding.

Thank you for your opinion! I will print out a bit of info and share it with him in a couple weeks

[The Outlaw]

No. You will still require a vet to prescribe. When you are trying to eliminate a lot of stuff at once, its very costly to have a vet do it. Each test will cost you a flat fee, usually about $90 per test, some higher. I had Avian Biotech run 3 tests (chlamydia aka Psittacosis, Avian Polyoma Virus, and PBFD (Beak and Feather). My cost, less shipping via FedEx was only $55.00. I think you get discounts for multiple tests. I'm not sure if this still applies, but it used to work this way:

Blood sexing collection card: $19.50
Blood sexing feather: $24.50
Single viral or Bacterial assay: $24.50
2 tests: $40.00
3 tests: $55.00
4 tests: $70.00
5 tests: $85.00

If I had those same tests run through my regular vet, the Pssitacosis test would have cost me $88.00 and the PBFD/Polyoma $161.00. I think you can see how you can really cut some costs. Just have the results also made available to your vet. My vet had no problem with me having my own tests run. He just wanted the results to base his diagnosis and treatment. I do have an excellent relationship with my vet.

You MUST have a good and clean blood vial sample however. You need jugular blood drawn for the cleanest sample and that's not for novices. Have the vet do that. When you are treating a very sick bird, it gets very costly. Its impossible to get good results unless you know what you are treating. Many birds get euthanized because owners cannot afford treatment. I would imagine any vet would be happier to have their customer reduce their costs if it meant they could afford to treat their pet. My vet also prepared the vials for FedEx and had them packed and in styrofoam ready to go. He may have even had them sent from his office. I just don't remember. It was 2 years ago.

[Lynjupiter]

Missi,
Is your vet an avian vet? If you need the name of some good vets in the SW Florida area let me know.
Never be afraid to question your vet!
Lynda