|
Congratulations,
you're a proud new bird owner. Now that your little
guy's settled in, it's a good time to have him examined
by a veterinarian. Birds are experts at masking
illness, so it's important to ensure that your new
friend is physically healthy.
Tips on Finding the Right Veterinary Care
Veterinarians
specializing in pet birds aren't always easy to
find. Contact bird clubs and breeders in your area
for a referral. The Association of Avian Veterinarians
is also an excellent resource; visit them on the
Web at www.aav.org to locate a qualified doctor
near you. This is also a good time to purchase a
carrier to safely transport your pet. Check out
your pet supply store for a carrier that's big enough
for your bird to move around in, but will not allow
him room to fly. Some owners use hard-sided plastic
carriers designed for dogs and cats.
Veterinary Specialists Will Give Your Bird a Complete Physical
When
you bring your bird for his first exam, be prepared
to provide information on where and when you purchased
your pet, what you're feeding him and anything unusual
you've noticed about him. The veterinarian will
then give your bird a complete physical exam. The
beak, feathers, skin and feet
will be checked for signs of disease, nutritional
problems and parasites. Eyes and nostrils will be
inspected for discharge and swelling. Your vet will
feel the bird's breast muscles and abdomen for any
abnormalities, and will use a stethoscope to ensure
that your pet's lungs and heart are in good working
order. Your bird will be weighed and, if necessary,
have a nail trimming and wing clipping.
Your
veterinarian may also run a complete blood count
(CBC), Gram's stain and mini-blood chemistry. These
tests will help determine the true health of the
bird. A CBC can be an indicator of anemia or infection;
a Gram's stain tests for the presence of bacteria.
Depending on the type of bird, other tests may be
recommended. Calcium tests, for example, are run
on African gray parrots, who are often deficient
in this mineral.
Yearly Veterinary Services for Checkups
To
keep your bird in good condition, Experts
suggest an annual visit to the vet. Weight loss
or gain, often an indicator of illness, will be
checked, and any necessary tests can help the veterinarian
monitor your pet's health. Nail trimming and wing
clipping, when required, can be done at this time.
If
you notice any unusual symptoms in your pet, do
not wait until your yearly check-up to consult the
vet. Signs of illness in avians include red, watery
or dull eyes, unkempt plumage, shivering and shaking,
changes in the color and consistency of droppings,
and compulsive feather picking. Sick birds will
often fluff out their feathers in an effort to keep
warm; others sit lethargically on their perch or,
worse, on the cage floor with their eyes closed.
If you think your bird is ill, it's important to
contact your avian veterinarian immediately.
|
