Vet visits

edarling

Hatchling
Hello everyone, Our linnie-baby Goose is getting his first vet visit this week. He's almost three years old, but we got him last Feb and we figure it's time. It's also my first experience with an avian vet. What can we expect? What questions should we ask? We want this visit to provide a baseline for any future emergency visits, so are there tests we should ask for?
Photo for added cuteness. :D
Thank you!
 

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edarling

Hatchling
Found this online:

Parts of the Avian Checkup
While each doctor has his/her own protocol on what is done during the initial visit, many avian veterinarians recommend some or all of the tests listed below as a screening program to aid in the wellness exam. Some birds exhibiting high anxiety during the exam or restraint may require light sedation, to make performing the exam or any of the tests listed below less stressful on the patient.

Physical Examination. Every visit starts with a thorough physical examination. During the physical, your veterinarian will record your bird's weight, general appearance, and mobility. He/she will palpate (feel) various parts of the brid's body from head to tail. Any abnormalities that are noted or changes that have occurred since the previous visit may require specialized testing. A stethoscope will be used to listen to your bird's heart and respiratory system. Visual assessment of your bird’s feces and urine movements will be made before or after the physical exam.

Blood Testing. Just as your family physician will perform blood tests to assess organ function and biochemical analysis, so should a routine health exam for your bird include testing. Blood testing can include a complete blood count (CBC) (counts red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) and a blood chemistry profile (which tests various organ enzymes as well as calcium, phosphorus, glucose, total protein, sodium and potassium levels).

Radiological Testing. Using whole body radiographs (x-rays), the veterinarian can examine your bird's body for abnormalities in the size, shape, and position of body organs, screen for masses such as tumors or granulomas, look for abnormal fluid accumulation, and check the skeletal system for any abnormalities.

Specialized Testing. Additional testing may include testing for chlamydiosis (also called psittacosis, a disease which may be transmissible to other pets and people), polyomavirus, avian bornavirus (ABV) or circovirus (beak and feather disease). The need for testing will depend upon findings from the physical exam, laboratory tests or exposure to other birds that may put your bird(s) at risk for a specific disease.

Fecal Analysis. Microscopic examination of the feces allows detection of intestinal parasites.

Microbiological Testing. Swabs of the choana (roof of the mouth) and cloaca (vent) of your bird may be taken to have Gram stains performed. Your veterinarian uses these stains to determine the presence of abnormal bacteria and/or fungal organisms. Depending upon the findings, additional tests, such as culture and sensitivity, may be needed to determine the species of bacteria or fungal organisms in those regions and the proper medical treatment.

 
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