What is a well bird exam? Why get one?

[Mona]

I started this topic because I am not sure how many people realize the difference between a veterinarian and an avian veterinarian. Birds are very different from mammals. It is very important that you take your bird to an AVIAN veterinarian rather than a dog/cat veterinarian. The wrong veterinarian can do a lot more harm to your bird than good.

Many avian veterinarians are Board Certified. This means that they have completed very specialized course work that is specific to understanding the anatomy of birds. I do know a few veterinarians who have a great deal of avian experience and are good bird vets without being board certified, but if possible, you should look for a certified avian veterinarian for your bird in your area.

Before your bird shows illness, google avian veterinarians in your area and establish a relationship with one. Get referrals from bird stores that you trust, bird clubs and other people who have birds in your area.

Birds hide illnesses. For this reason, it is a good idea to do an annual well bird exam. An avian vet will take blood panels and cultures. My veterinarian also tests for cholesterol. One of the new findings in avian medicine is how sedentary parrots are suffering from heart problems, just like people do.

Here are two old but good articles on the internet with some of the tests you will want to run on your new bird:

http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww10eii.htm

http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww13eiii.htm

Here is another great website that is a little more up to date and tends to write more about contemporary health issues with parrots:

http://exoticpetvet.net/

Bottomline: Find a good avian vet BEFORE you have a problem with your bird. This will save you time, money and stress....and possibly your bird's life.

Thanks!

[Harleys_Dad]

Thanks for this reminder. I do need to get a wellness check up soon.

[Natacha]

Many avian veterinarians are Board Certified. This means that they have completed very specialized course work that is specific to understanding the anatomy of birds. I do know a few veterinarians who have a great deal of avian experience and are good bird vets without being board certified, but if possible, you should look for a certified avian veterinarian for your bird in your area.

Yes, one might want to look for an avian certified vet.
However, some people don't have the specialization but have an incredible knowledge of birds. There is an avian certified vet here. She's the only certified one. I went to her clinic once, with a bird who had both legs in terrible condition (Shade's brother) and should have seen the vet...but she didn't bother and only sent a vet tech who kept running out back for instructions. Without even looking at the bird, the vet had deemed that all it needed was bandages so this is all the tech did. I was NOT impressed..and we ended up paying a hefty fee. My mom and I then brought this same bird to a vet closer to home and although she was not avian certified, she has had extensive knowledge of parrots and has worked for a very reputable avian vet in another city. Seeing her in "action"...I don't believe my birds could be in better hands. And her rates are much better (although I would be willing to pay much more if I needed to to see her).
So while I agree that a certified avian vet might be better in some situations, there is still options that shouldn't be overlooked.

Before your bird shows illness, google avian veterinarians in your area and establish a relationship with one. Get referrals from bird stores that you trust, bird clubs and other people who have birds in your area.

Birds hide illnesses. For this reason, it is a good idea to do an annual well bird exam. An avian vet will take blood panels and cultures. My veterinarian also tests for cholesterol. One of the new findings in avian medicine is how sedentary parrots are suffering from heart problems, just like people do.

aka I totally agree!

[Mona]

Hi Natasha:

I really do agree that experience with avians is very important as well. We have a few vets in our area that have had a great deal of experience and are excellent avian vets but just have never gone through the certification process. We also have one that claims to be "board certified" and is not....and is not a good vet so you have to be careful. (This vet unnecessarily put one of my parrots under anesthesia and my parrot quit breathing on the Operating table....by some miracle, the bird came back to life) I know a lot of horror stories about unscrupulous vets but when you find a good one, they are worth their weight in gold!

Thanks!

Mona