First Vet Visit!

[SaphireSamantha]

When Samantha gets home on Thursday we will have to turn around and take her to her first vet visit for an initial check up so that we can establish a relationship with the exotic doc.

What is and isn't necessary for this visit?

I know that vets, like many other places, are interested in making money... but I spent a LOT getting Samantha and everything she needs. I want to be frugal where possible, but still obtain everything essential to her health in the first visit.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what is a MUST and what is a BUST?

 

[RavensGryf]

Besides the visual once over, stethoscope, look in mouth, and weight check...

A blood panel is very important. It can tell you if the organs are functioning properly. Also a CBC (red and white blood cell count).

Fecal sample to see if there is any of the 'wrong' types of bacteria, or parasites, or yeast.

Another thing that is very important and is pretty basic for a new bird exam is a blood sample for deadly avian viruses. PBFD, Polyoma, Bornavirus, and Psittacosis. Psittacosis is bacterial and usually curable, but it is transmittable to humans which is why it's taken very seriously. I'm not saying deadly viruses are running rampant through our avian community, but they're also unfortunately not as rare as many people might think. Birds sick with incurable viruses most of the time (unless it's progressed) can LOOK BEAUTIFUL on the outside, and act normal. It is a MYTH that anyone (vets included) can say that a bird is "healthy" just by looking at a bird!!

** I'm not saying that I think Samantha has something, I'm saying this last paragraph as general info to make any new bird parents who might read this to be aware of it. It's just a good practice to get every new bird checked.

 

[SaphireSamantha]

Okay, that all makes a very good point. So, I am pretty much going to do what the vet suggests (I hear he is the best avian vet in the area) unless he tries to throw in underwater basket weaver LOL

I did buy one of those little Barron's Pet Books on Macaws, but I am just confirming everything that concerns me with my wonderful avian community

 

[RavensGryf]

underwater basket weaver LOL

LOL I haven't heard that in a long time, I love it .....my college degree was in Underwater Basket Weaving. :52: lol

I know you'll do just fine with Samantha. This was completely meant to be, and I can't wait to hear when she comes home! Tomorrow, right?

 

[mh434]

I agree with the others on having a blood panel done! Parrots, like most other birds (and most prey species, for that matter) continue to look healthy & act normal when they're actually sick, up until the point where it's physically impossible to continue to do so. In the wild, this helps to hide their vulnerability from predators & other flock members (who might attack them as a "draw" on slim resources). The blood panel will reveal almost anything that needs attention, and allow such things to be treated early & fully, before they become serious.

 

[95talongirl]

I agree on all stated above. It also gives the vet a baseline as to what's normal for the bird, so if in the future, she becomes ill, it helps with diagnosis.

I think when I took Mopar in for his first visit it came to around $300, with the exam, blood work, gram stain, and disease testing. So it wasn't to horrible.

 

[Kalidasa]

What?! No underwater basket weaver test?! But how will you know if she's allergic to mermaids?

 

[SaphireSamantha]

OMG You guys are all great She should be home in the next hour or so and we'll leave here to go to the vet shortly after. I'll let you know how everything is going. I intend to get the full suggested work up.