They hurt her

[Piasa]

Jimmy was in to the vet at the beginning of this week for a blood draw, not my usual vet but someone I believed was good and works with birds at a well respected clinic. I wasn't allowed to be with her, but I could hear her screaming (not exactly abnormal) and then gurgling as she screamed (something I have never heard before). When I got her back, I was told they weren't able to get any blood because the vein blew and that she would be lethargic for the rest of the day.

She has felt poorly ever since, and so I got her in to the vet I trust today and it turns out they had torn her skin and she has a big scab and tons of bruising! Not normal! She should be okay as she is letting it heal and will be monitored but OMG I am so sick over this! Why wasn't I told something happened when it happened? I feel lied to and cheated. She could have died.

She didn't eat for a day because her neck was so sore she couldn't climb on her cage bars. I had to hand feed her. Now she is preoccupied with preening around her neck.

I am having trouble figuring out what to do about it all, except for taking care of her the best I can

 

[plumsmum2005]

OMG I am so sorry this is horrendous! I hope you were not charged for this? Is it possible to report this so called Vet to a higher authority?? I would look at who they have to register with after completing their training. Plum is given a wiff of gas to knock him out when this needs to be done. Still not brill but he has had it done a few times and suffered no trauma so far. The most important thing is to take care of her, give her lots of love - take photos if possible for evidence if required. If no go with reporting this vet and you are on Social Media shout about it long and loud. You have a perfect excuse to INSIST you stay with your bird in the future and that Vet doesn't go near! Hope she recovers quickly and soon.

 

[Piasa]

I did have to pay and it was expensive to boot. Thank you for all of the good ideas. Jimmy is such a loving and docile little parrot, it kills me that she has to go through all this crap.

 

[plumsmum2005]

when you feel stronger how about demanding a refund and an apology? Totally unacceptable. Focus on your little one for now shes the important thing.

 

[OOwl]

That is horrible. My vet is always so honest with me about the potential dangers of drawing blood on a small parrot (my bird that spends the most time at the vet is a small peachfaced lovebird, so really small). She is always up front with me how the procedure goes (and, truthfully, things can easily go wrong). You are definitely due the truth and an apology. How scary. I'm sorry.

 

[Allee]

I'm sorry you and Jimmy had such an awful experience. I'm glad you were able to see your trusted vet. I hope Jimmy recovers quickly.

You could send a written factual detailed account of your experience to your state licensing board requesting an investigation and response. As Oowl mentioned, drawing blood from small birds is a delicate procedure but you should have been told what to expect beforehand. A licensed vet should have the skill and experience to safely perform the procedure. An investigation by the licensing board may be enough to give the veterinarian and staff reason to be less negligent in the future.

 

[RavensGryf]

I'm sorry this has happened . Seems like it's alarmingly common that we hear so called avian vet offices perform incompetently or as if they aren't too experienced with birds. That was highly unprofessional to not disclose to you what had happened. They were afraid to face you, so instead they just hoped you went away and never noticed.

I guess I should be thankful that I have 2 vets who are great. One who is exclusively birds, doesn't even use a tech. He doesn't trust techs or assistants! He is such an expert that he does most things without gas, and draws blood from my wildest of birds in front of me with one hand.

This sort of thing makes me really think, if I ever move out of the area or to another state... I agree with Allee about looking into filing a complaint requesting an investigation and resolution.

 

[SailBoat]

The recommendation regarding reporting this is spot on!

However, to get a response, you will need to be very factual regarding what happened. Think of it as writing a police report - very factual. Pictures are as important as the written facts. Confirm that you have taken and verified with another Vet what in fact happened to your parrot. State, that if needed, you will provide your Vet's report. I truly hope that your normal Vet included his/her findings as part of your parrots visit report.

FYI: Always get a copy of your parrot's visit report after each visit. You have a right to this report. NOTE: Ask for a copy of the report from the offending Vet!

 

[Scott]

Very sad indeed. Please do not let that ham-fisted practice get away with silence.

After years of patronizing an avian specialist practice with some dubious outcomes I have developed a relationship with a terrific and ethical vet - as in a veteran and caring veterinarian!!

Looking back, I was insufficiently assertive and far too trusting. Bottom line is to question, always question in a respectful but informed manner. If necessary I would not hesitate to contact oversight and licensing authorities with well organized evidence. As parronts, we have the duty to speak for the silent!

 

[Piasa]

I have a game plan for Monday now. Thank you all for your support and advice. Staying strong for my little pi.

 

[macawluv]

Wow. How awful. This solidifies my opinion and is exactly why I have never/ will never let my bird unattended at the vet. I am sorry you and he had to go through that stress. At least some good will come from your experience in that more of us are now aware.

 

[Ann333]

That is terrible!! I am so sorry. I have no words of advice. My vet is not an avian vet But I love in a small town and have to take what I can get. He has always been very honest with my though and I would think for just a blood test I would be allowed in the room to monitor.

 

[henpecked]

If they won't let me stay in the exam room, i leave. The offeding vet might have been capable but his tech might not have been able/qualified to handle birds. In these situations I'll hold the bird myself. IMO accidents like this are caused by "greenhorn" techs at a non avian vet . That's why you need to be in the exam room at all times. I've had to say "stop" before and shudder to think what might occur if i wasn't there .

 

[Birdman666]

If they won't let me stay in the exam room, i leave. The offeding vet might have been capable but his tech might not have been able/qualified to handle birds. In these situations I'll hold the bird myself. IMO accidents like this are caused by "greenhorn" techs at a non avian vet . That's why you need to be in the exam room at all times. I've had to say "stop" before and shudder to think what might occur if i wasn't there .

Yeah. I agree. If they want to keep me out of the exam room, then I need a different vet. I've stopped people from doing stupid things to my birds a couple of times as well...

When you find a good vet, you stick with them.