Exotic Pet Care
Avian Medicine
Wellness Exams
During these consultations, we may discuss natural organic diets--the health benefits of a pelleted diet; pros and cons of clipped versus flighted birds; cages versus indoor/outdoor aviaries; socialization; mental stimulation; the importance of blood testing and annual examinations; zoonotic diseases; nail and beak trimming; avoiding household toxins; exercise and weight management; "normal" bird behavior; the importance of UV light; and more.
Avian Spa Services
- Wing Trims
- Nail Trims
- Beak Trims
Sick Bird Exams
Signs that your bird may be sick:
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased fecal production
- Increased thirst
- Increased urine production
- Diarrhea
- Blood in feces
- Decreased vocalizations and singing
- Quiet and “fluffed up feathers
- Sitting or sleeping on bottom of cage
- Frequently laying eggs
- Pumping of tail (up and down)
- Nasal discharge
- Change in feathering
- Vomiting
- Undigested food in feces
Fecal Gram Stains
A fecal gram stain is a non-invasive test that evaluates the bacterial flora in a parrot’s gastrointestinal tract. It checks for the presence of “good bacteria”, “bad bacteria”, and yeast. The presence of yeast and/or “bad bacteria” may be an indication of malnutrition, immune suppression, stress, and other underlying disease processes. A fecal gram stain is just one piece of the puzzle that helps us to determine the overall health of your parrot.
A fecal gram stain is performed by collecting a fresh fecal sample; evenly distributing the sample on a glass slide; staining the slide; and evaluating the slide under a microscope.
Treatment for an abnormal fecal gram stain may include a diet change, probiotics, apple cider vinegar, lifestyle modifications, immune support, and addressing any other underlying disease processes. Follow-up gram stains are needed to assess the efficacy of treatment and the ongoing health of your parrot.
Bloodwork
DNA TESTING is a blood test that genetically determines if your bird is a male or female. We recommend that all birds be sexed. This will allow you to monitor your female birds during mating season in the spring. Female birds need to be monitored for egg laying. Females that frequently lay eggs may become weak or have seizures due to low calcium levels or can become egg bound which can lead to infection and possibly death.
Routine Labwork
- CBC (checks red blood cells and white blood cells)
- Chemistry (checks kidneys, liver, glucose, and electrolytes)
Infectious Disease Testing
All newly acquired birds should be tested for infectious diseases to ensure your bird is healthy and does not transmit diseases to you or any other birds in your home.
We recommend testing for:
- Chlamydia PCR and IFA Tests). Chlamydia is a zoonotic disease (meaning it can be transmitted to humans), and thus we recommend that this test be run on all newly acquired birds. It can cause a wide range of symptoms that can result in mild to severe disease (including respiratory and neurological problems) in both birds and human, and can result in death. Chlamydia is a treatable disease, when caught early, and is treated using antibiotics.
- Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) is caused by a virus that can affect many organ systems including skin/feathers, liver, and brain and can be transmitted from one bird to another. It can result in feather loss, abnormal feathering, and immune suppression. Some birds can acquire the virus and permanently clear it from their system; some become carriers and may remain normal, but shed the virus in their feather dust and feces; and others may become sick from the virus. PBFD suppresses the immune system and increases their susceptibility to other secondary infections (bacterial, viral, fungal, etc). There is no cure for this disease. Testing can be performed using a blood and/or feather sample.
- Bornavirus (a virus associated with Proventricular Dilatation Disease or PDD). Bornavirus testing can be performed using a blood sample or swabs (choanal and chloacal). Some birds can acquire the Bornavirus and clear it from their systems; some become carriers and may shed the virus, but remain non-clinical; and others may become ill from the virus. Common signs of PDD include weight loss and wasting, vomiting or regurgitation, and neurological problems. There is no cure for Bornavirus/PDD. Bornavirus can be transmitted from one bird to another, but is not considered to be a highly contagious disease.
- Herpes Virus/Pacheco’s Disease is a virus that is highly contagious disease amongst birds and can result in rapid spread amongst a flock, and peracute disease and death. Generally there is limited time for treatment because the disease comes on rapidly and it is not uncommon that death is the first sign of disease seen within a flock. Anti-virals can be used in sick birds or prevent disease once an outbreak has occurred. It can affect all organs including the liver and the brain. Herpes testing can be run on blood and swabs (choanal and chloacal).
Bird Behavior Consultations
Behavior problems are the number one reason that parrots are relinquished to animal shelters and sanctuaries or rehomed. Behavior problems are so common that bird rescues and sanctuaries are full with waiting lists, and birds are now being taken to local animal shelters and they are being euthanized due to lack of appropriate homes. We feel it is important that all newly acquired birds have a behavior consultation where training techniques can be initiated from the beginning and prevent behavior problems down the road. It is always easier to prevent a problem then to retrain a bird once a problem has arisen. Generally speaking, it is the humans that require the training because the birds are just responding to their environment. During these consultations we first ensure the bird is in good health and has all of its basic needs met including a balanced and varied diet, companionship, regular bathing, proper veterinary care, environmental enrichment, UVB lighting, and exercise. Then we discuss how to specifically address the problem behavior, including biting, not wanting to step up, and screaming. We can also assist with basic training such as targeting, step up, and short indoor flight requests.
Parrots are highly intelligent animals, and are thought to be as smart as a five year old child. We find that parrots make better companions and are happier birds when their basic needs have been met, are regularly exercised, and are able to make choices in their daily lives. Through behavior consultations, training, bird room design, enclosure set up, and enrichment, we can help to improve your relationship with your bird and make the relationship full-filling for both you and your bird.
Reptile Medicine
Wellness Exams
During this appointment, we do a thorough physical exam and discuss husbandry, including enclosure set-up; temperature and humidity; UVB lighting; substrates; diet; exercise; and environmental enrichment.
Sick Reptile Exams
Signs that your reptile may be sick:
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy
- Discharge from nose or eyes
- Change in skin color
- Open mouth breathing
- Twitching or seizures
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
Labwork (Depends on species)
CBC (checks red blood cells and white blood cells)
Chemistry (checks kidneys, liver, glucose, and electrolytes)
Fecal Test
Checks for parasites and worms.
Small Mammal Medicine
Wellness Exams
During this appointment, we do a thorough physical exam and discuss husbandry, including enclosure set-up; substrates; diet; exercise; and environmental enrichment.
Sick Small Mammal Exams
Signs that your mammal may be sick:
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy
- Discharge from nose or eyes
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Open mouth breathing
- Twitching or seizures
- Weight loss
- Changes to skin or haircoat
Labwork (Depends on species)
CBC (checks red blood cells and white blood cells)
Chemistry (checks kidneys, liver, glucose, and electrolytes)
Dental Exams
We do not offer Dentisty for small mammals.