Not taking no for an answer

[goalerjones]

I've seen a number of threads now regarding waiting for an avian vet appointment before taking in an injured or sick bird.

While I understand respecting the rules, I also know that emergencies are just that, an emergency. And in those times, it's my opinion that you just go to the vet and wait in the lobby. They will make room for you.

Let the chips fall where they may and don't regret waiting too long.

End of rant. Any thoughts?

 

[RavensGryf]

My vet receptionist books in such a way that they leave room for emergencies.

At one time I worked in the veterinary field for dogs and cats, and at every place I had worked, no patient was ever turned away in an emergency. Even if it wasn't real urgent. Or you can beg on the phone and they'd say to come in. Vet offices typically don't want to turn business away :53:. Even if it meant we were double booked and slammed busy, they would just keep taking more and more and more.... Independently owned offices rely on as many patients coming in as possible.

I remember I'd think 'gosh, why isn't MY doctor's office like that?' Human doctors and specialists make you wait weeks even if you feel it's urgent! Don't get me started about that topic lol.

 

[weco]

I agree wholeheartedly, but everybody does not have that mobility or may not have a working acquaintance with their local vet or avian vet if they are lucky enough to have one close by.....a lot of times people wait until they need one in an emergency before contacting a vet and often have no idea of the vet's bedside manner...it doesn't cost anything to walk into a vet's office to meet them & introduce yourself & make your own opinion of their personality.....

 

[Scott]

And excellent rant, one that just might save lives!

My vet's "emergency" web page describes the availability of "walk-in, 'squeeze' appointments", and pledges to "drop everything" to accommodate critical emergencies.

Veterinary medicine is a two-way street, though, and the consumer must be educated, perceptive, and develop a sense of proportionality. However, with parrots I always lean toward the conservative, as once definitive symptoms are exhibited, the disease may well be advanced. :light:

 

[Kiwibird]

I AGREE 100%! Thankfully, Kiwi has never had a real emergency, but when Tiffany (my beardie) was at the begging of the end, I had to do that. The vet receptionist didn't seem to think her back legs not moving was a big deal and "couldn't schedule her in until next week". I went ahead and dropped her off anyways on my way to work and told them to find time to see her that day. Sadly nothing could be done for her, but if Kiwi ever has an emergency and "theres no time to see him" I would do the exact same thing again. Under normal circumstances, I can be patient, even book a "routine" appointment months in advance so long as all is well... But I know when my pets are acting off and when it's an emergency, I will not let them be written off. Your pet cannot be it's own advocate, you have to be it's voice and fight for them when they need emergency medical attention.

 

[strudel]

All of my vets will see an emergency before more routine patients. If somebody comes in with a "big drama", I'm happy to make way for them. I can always come back another day for their injections or whatever. I'm lucky that I've got a 24-hour vet hospital near to me and you don't need to make an appointment, they just triage you when you get there and see you in turn if it's a "normal illness" type thing.

I'm not sure what the "go" is with birds though. They do have bird and bunny vets there, but they aren't always there the way dog and cat vets are. My budgie was seen by an "ordinary" vet and she seemed to know enough to check her out, the way she handled it didn't freak me out. I must ask next time I'm up there, whether they'll call out the special vet if they have to.

 

[ZephyrFly]

I'm not with a vet (or bird) yet but I think I know which vet practice I'll go to. They seem to run a 24hour emergency line, a pet ambulance and emergency appointments if they deem it urgent. Their website has a symptom tracker too, doesn't tell you what's wrong but it advises what to do next I.e. if it's an emergency or not or if they'd just advise a normal appointment.

It's not an avian vet, my closest is nearly a couple hours away but for initial checks and emergencies I think they seem sound.

Edit They aren't open for normal practice 24/7 but I don't think any vet is around me, but they are open to some degree 7days a week.

 

[Birdman666]

If it's an emergency, you go to the ER.

If it's a vet emergency, you go to the vet critical care hospital, which hopefully there is one in your area... If not, you're at the mercy of the doctor isn't going to see you today.

I was fortunate in NorCal that I had two of the best avian hospitals near me, and one more ER clinic with a zoologist vet...

Here I have ONE avian vet, and ONE ER Clinic... (Though I do have Seaworld right next door in a DIRE emergency...)

 

[Mango121913]

Unfortunately, the closest avian vet is 2 hrs away from me. But we do have 2 emergency vets 1hr away. But, they're not that experienced in avian care.

 

[Birdman666]

unfortunately, the closest avian vet is 2 hrs away from me. But we do have 2 emergency vets 1hr away. But, they're not that experienced in avian care.

and that's the real problem right there...

 

[Christinenc2000]

Unfortunately, the closest avian vet is 2 hrs away from me. But we do have 2 emergency vets 1hr away. But, they're not that experienced in avian care.

I am in the exact situation you are.

 

[goalerjones]

I was led to believe that a livestock vet would be useful in those situations. They have experience with chickens and ducks.

 

[ZephyrFly]

I don't think we have a specific ER or a critical care centre?
I'm from/in the UK so I don't know if that's why?

The vet centre I've looked at does treat some livestock though, but unlike a lot of the vets here they are not a livestock specifically. They also vet for a local small-ish zoo which has small to large parrots and other birds.

 

[Wvbirdlover]

I completely agree.. An emergency is an emergency, and just like a human needs to be seen 'pronto', so you go to the ER, and they evaluate your type of issue/trauma and put you in line accordingly. The same would go for sick or injured bird. I Really don't think they can turn anyone away that shows up.