Finding an avian veterinarian

[wiresoma]

I live in Ocala, Florida and want to find a great veterinarian for my bird. Can anybody help me? I'm willing to drive as far as necessary. These are the reasons for the vet visit;

1. White speckles on the surface of cornea. Doesn't look like cataracts from the online pictures I've seen.
2. Band removal. Will they be able to determine anything from the band?
3. Gender determination.
4. Age determination.

 

[MonicaMc]

1. White speckles on the surface of cornea. Doesn't look like cataracts from the online pictures I've seen.
Can't say I know what this is, but hopefully the vet would.

2. Band removal. Will they be able to determine anything from the band?
Maybe. Maybe not. I have not heard of avian vets keeping a registry of band information, so unless they recognize it, I doubt it. The band is good for identification purposes, and if it's a closed band, I'd leave it on, personally. (unless it's bothering the bird) Bands typically display breeder/aviary info, year of hatch, maybe an organization the breeder was/is associated with, bird's ID, state the bird was born in, etc. That is, assuming the bird is captive bred and not wild import. Here's some links I have on leg bands. I may be able to help on locating breeder if I know the information on it.

If your breeder is listed, you might be able to find them here... (there were two previous sites that had a lot of information about leg bands on them, but have since been closed down)
New Leg Band Registry

A YH group that helps trace bands LegBandNumbers : Leg Band Numbers

A few places that produce leg bands may or may not help trace the band if it's one of theirs...
L_M_Bird Leg Bands Products Catalogue
Red Bird Products
DL Products - Leg Bands, Bird Bands, Bird Rings

Information on Leg Bands
Winged Wisdom Pet Bird Magazine - The ABC's Of Leg Bands - Identifying Birds
Interpreting Bird Bands
Choosing Your Bird

3. Gender determination.
You can get this done yourself for $25. I don't know how much a vet may charge and it may depend on the vet themselves. Feathers or blood can be used, with blood being more accurate.

If the vet is expensive and/or you would like to do yourself but you aren't comfortable with a blood draw, you could have the vet draw the blood for you, or when you are getting blood drawn for a blood panel, you can ask the a-vet to get a little extra for you (doesn't require more than 1-3 drops) so you can do it yourself.

4. Age determination.
There is no real way to determine the age of a parrot once they reach adult hood (adult feathers, adult eye coloring). They may be able to give you an estimate on age, but they could be several years off! I honestly wouldn't be surprised if my 11 year old cockatiel looked the same as a 2 year old cockatiel.


Here's some links I have in finding avian vets. You may have to travel, though...

1. AAV - Find a Veterinarian
2. 2008 List of Avian Diplomates – Board Certified Veterinary Practitioners
3. Find an Avian Vet | Lafeber Cares – Pet Bird Food
4. Birds N Ways - ABVP Certified Avian Veterinarians
5. ABVP Directory
6. Veterinarians & Pet Hospitals
7. Find a Veterinarian - Local Vets and Veterinary Clinics, Vet Services

Doing a short search, I found Magnolia Animal Hospital and Banfield Animal Hospital that will treat avian patients. I haven't heard good things about Banfield, so it may just depend on location.

Here's a link to Magnolia.
Magnolia Animal Hospital

 

[Molcan2]

I would suggest going to the University of Florida. They have excellent avian specialists. If there is a really complex issue going a regular vet will refer you there anyway. Plus there isnt anything that they havent seen before. Thats where i would go if i was in Ocala. I am very particular on who i see for my birds. Good luck, hope everything turns out okay, i would def get an exam done.

 

[wiresoma]

Thanks for your replies. I got her an appt. with the University of Florida Small Animal Hospital for $85.

 

[Molcan2]

Let us know how it goes.

 

[wiresoma]

Keelo was seen by an optamologist veterinarian who determined she has mineral deposits (most likely calcium) on her corneas and corneal ulcers in both eyes. I was given ETDA drops 1% and a triple antibiotic for her eyes. I'm not sure how easy it will be putting this stuff in her eyes. Anybody out there have any advice and tips?

 

[Molcan2]

I would give treats after each appliction. I would use a treat that is a favorite. This way you could try to use positive reinforcement and hopefully avoid toweling.