Vet Visits

[FeathersNFur8]

I have often read that many people do not do regular or yearly vet visits, to check blood, do a well-bird exam, etc. The reason stated most often, is they fear that their bird will be exposed to a disease, etc. while at the Vet's office.

I have read that people with many birds, usually contract with their local Avian Vet and a home visit is done for yearly checkups. This is probably a must for closed Aviaries and multiple bird owners. I would think it's easier on the birds also, to be able to be as comfortable as possible during routine procedures. Best of all, no worries of bringing something extra home.

I brought two birds into my home and both have needed extensive Veterinary care. I have been into my AV's office almost every month since July of 2005. I have never brought anything extra home, other than a bottle of medicine.

I have to wonder, is the concern of exposure a valid one, or is it outdated? If it is valid, does it warrant no annual well-bird visits? Do you feel AV's are doing a better job today of keeping birds safe from exposure during office visits?

I would like to hear everyone's views on this. I'm hoping maybe Dr. Ford might give his opinion on this matter also.

________________
Karen

[cfulhage]

I would love to hear what people have to say on this also. Ollie had one exam about a year ago when we went in with a broken tail feather, and now I'm debating what I want to do.

[little_angels]

great point! we have never had a probem with birds picking up anything from the vets office but we dont see too many birds in here!

as for my own birds.. i overreact sometimes nad call up the avian vet in dublin if there is anything wrong and both zuppy and marley and tango see her 4tmes a year...everymonth one of them comes up with me to collect their harrisons from her .. and i have never had a problem..infact marley was sitting up on the counter talking to everyone who walked passed last week while we were wiating to see the vet about changing marleys diet

[kateBird]

i take my birds to get their annual check up for the last 3 years and they have not brought home any viruses or other bad things. the avian vet i go to keeps everything clean and sanitized and i usually make it a point to go in at the earliest appointment so that the office is pretty much empty.

[Lisa B]

I'm up in the air.

Yes, my guys have exams. we are a bit behind because of the move (we are moving closer to my vet) and Emma gets car sick, so we thought it would be better to take them once we move.

I too take the first appointment. But know,,,,even the first appointment is not guarenteeing you anything. Larger hospitals have sick wards. the first thing attending vets do in the morning is to check thier inpatients. The Hospital I use has a sperate suspected contagious ward, far removed from clients.
I know my vets change jackets and scrub. I have asked, and watched this.
Many wear booties and hair coverings also. My vets also keep parrots at home, so I know they dont want to bring anything home to them.
I do believe,or hope or think, because of how nerotic I am, should there be a problem with a sick bird, my vet would reschedule me....

home visits are illegal in NJ.

[raddaughter]

Although I do take my pets, including parrot, to the vet, we have had a difficult vet year. One of my dogs (Vixey, toy poodle) had 2 puppies. They were both beautiful (thier daddy was Tex, our other toy). We have 2 other dogs, Boxers, who we took to the vet. Then, both of our puppies got very sick and passed away. It was hearbreaking and we don't even know what they died from...
I have been trying to locate an avian vet near to me and I think we have found one. Although it is important to have a regular check up for your bird, I would prefer it if the vet would come to our house. I have had too many vet problems over the years with all of our animals, and it has made me very picky. Just my two cents...

[Joel]

I would love to hear what Dr. Ford has to say about all this myself.

I have had hundreds of birds over the years and never take them in to A.V.s for checks of any kind. I do not believe they are needed for my flock BECAUSE of how I keep my members. They seem to be all healthy, they don't get sick. They are all full flighted (in shape), get daily exposure to outdoor natural sunshine (not thru window glass), have proper natural humidity, have toys and playmates/cagemates/or breeding mates. They get a great diet - all is well with them. Yes I would really worry about germs in Vet Offices regardless of how they SAY they keep everything clean and safe. Do they clean out the A.C. ducts everyday? Etc...... We hear so much about air-borne diseases, makes one wonder doesn't it?.... Vets have to make a living and I doubt you will ever hear one say not to bring in your bird? Not sure if they sterilize themselves either before they come over for a home visit (kinda doubt it but is it really needed?)....Again, I would like to hear what Dr. Ford and other vets and tech assistants say.

I feel if ya give your bird(s) all that is needed for the MOST Healthy and MOST Safe Life (full flight, great healthy type diet, toys, mental stimulation, playmates, natural sunshine (not thru window glass), stress free environment (as much as possible), safe environment from predators/germs/chemicals/insects - best ya can under the circumstances etc., then ya are ok without vet visits (as a general rule). Take that money and use it to build these safe, temp. controlled, full flight avairy(s) outside or even inside, that I am always talking about - the ones attached to a window/sliding glass door of your home that you can just open and bring in your bird(s) for one on one interaction with their human flocks....JMO.

[Tiki]

Other than the fact that my aviary/bird room is indoors with FS lighting instead of outdoors due to many predators in my area; my birds have much the same living conditions as Joel. In fact I learned a lot from Joel over the years so that is probably why!

I don't take my birds in for annual exams, but my AV is 5 minutes away so very easy to get to when I need him. He also has an emergency back up normal vet who can consult with him by phone on weekends.

[Dayna]

Originally Posted by Lisa B

home visits are illegal in NJ.

I am curious, what if you have a large breeding facility? Or a horse! Does this only apply to dog/cat/bird vets?

How weird and interesting.

[Stizby]

You know what has always mystified me a bit? The vets who keep a pet bird in their clinics. My vet has a CAG that is his personal pet that he keeps at this clinic. Now granted, his bird is not out in the lobby area but kept in the back somewhere -- I've never seen her but the staff and vet all talk about her being there. I should ask him why he does not worry about his bird catching something from his avian patients. I'll bet my vet is not the only one to keep a personal pet at his workplace.