Vet Appointment

[Shoegoo]

Last year due to the Covid panic the vet was only accepting curbside appointments. So I agreed to drop off my GCC for her shot and annual exam. The exam includes nail clipping and weigh in. They also clipped her wings which I did not schedule. I was very upset. They agreed not to charge me for the wing clipping.



About a month ago I made an appointment for my GCC to have her annual checkup and shot. At that time I asked if it would be curbside only or would I be allowed to carry my bird in and be present. The office said they didn't know. Today they sent a text stating that the exam would be curbside. I'm thinking about cancelling until things are back to normal. I just don't like the idea of shelling out hard earned $$ without seeing the Dr. and what is happening.


Please share your recent experiences with Avian Vets.

 

[bill_e]

Ask to talk to the CAV curbside before and after the exam. Have clear written instructions as to what you want performed and ask the CAV who is doing what.
I ask my CAV to perform all the work, not the techs.

Curbside sucks big time. I've been dealing with my dog who is in renal failure for the last year...all curbside. There were times when I thought I was gong to have to make the big decision and I thought I would just call around until I found a vet who would either perform it in the car or let me in. Luckily it has not come to that yet. Did I mention that Curbside really sucks?

My daughter is a practice manager at an animal hospital and she said that the DR's were reluctant to open up again....not because they were afraid of getting infected, but rather because they liked not having to interact with the owners.

Here in NH there is no reason not to resume normal operation.

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

I've been going to the same CAV for over 30 years now and last month BB the tiel went in for his annual wellness and grooming and they are STILL in lock down This time they were also remodeling the inside but it sucked coz i couldn't be with the little guy His doc is very good at what she does and calls me right after to give me the low down on how he is doing,but as Bill mention,things here in CT are very good and masks are no longer required as long as you are fully vaccinated and lots of places are fully open..last nights positivity rate was at .52% Stresses me out more than it does the birdies when I cant be there to sooth their ruffled feathers.



Jim

 

[Inger]

Yeah I?m not a fan of curbside either. And I don?t know that there has *ever* been a good reason. It?s easy enough to social distance. And now that Washington is opened up, there?s definitely no reason.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SailBoat]

There is no question that they are seeing more clients per hour with this curb-drop-off thing as the normal 1/2 hour visit is 15 minutes at the same price.

It really a problem because during the depth of the Lock-down there where only emergency services at our Avian Vets. Now they are busy from opening to closing and that is pushing them assembly still.

July first, Michigan opens to near 100%, so it will be interesting.

 

[T00tsyd]

Huh! Here it isn't just the vets it's doctors surgeries too. How can you diagnose accurately over the telephone or video call? Many doctors are fighting the instructions to re-open yet most dentists never really closed.

 

[Scott]

Was gratified to receive update from my CAV; In-person visits per normal are expected next few weeks. Thankfully none of my birds required attention during Covid. Both my dogs required care with drop offs at different practice, however in each case the vet spent generous time on phone post visit and follow-up.

 

[Skarila]

Wow, I would go wild if anyone were to clip my bird without consulting with me first! When I took Pascal to the vet, it was also a drop off type because of covid, but the vet called me before he took Pascal out from the carrier to chat with me about the bird, question if there are any concerns, how is the bird doing and most importantly what would I need or want from the visit (stool samples, what if I want blood screening, if any grooming might be needed and if I'd agree on it, etc). Our vet is really nice, he was actually just suggesting what to do (why stool testing is important) and actually talked me out of blood tests unless absolutely necessary because he would have to sedate the bird since Pascal is a very nervous bird and hates being handled. So, after he checked Pascal out, he called me once again, told me how is he doing and the what next steps to do. The guy is not a CAV yet, but he works exclusively with exotic animals, birds the most and is really knows his stuff (I mean, which vet tells you to keep your air humidity at 60% because it's a tropical bird and to keep bath available at all times? I love that guy)

I really hope your bird wasn't too traumatized with the wing clip.... I say go for it, but request the vet to call you up front before handling the bird and you say very specificaly no clipping, no grooming, just a check up and the bird's shot (i'm curious, is it for the hormones?). Otherwise should be ok.

 

[Cyclone]

I took my three in for a general checkup because we just moved to a new city/state. I knew it would be curbside, so it was extra important that I choose a CAV with a very good reputation. And honestly, they lived up to it. One came home with a new wing issue, so they comp'ed xrays to make sure they hadn't accidentally hurt him during handling. Vet gave tons of attention, coming out curbside to explain everything and answer a million questions. Followed up with emails and continued the discussion. A+

However, I honestly believe this is 100% about vets enjoying their job more when pet owners don't attend exams, and has nothing to due with COVID at this point. This makes me very upset. I only partly appreciate that they can better focus on the job and the pet without the presence of the owner. However, I could have shown the vet how my bird tolerates handling and what he especially likes and dislikes (this absolutely helped out with a previous vet). And I guarantee my bird's stress level would have been lower with me present for the handling (he came home absolutely traumatized). Vets need to have as compassion for the people equal or in excess to the pet, in my opinion, and should let owners back into the office.

 

[Scott]

I took my three in for a general checkup because we just moved to a new city/state. I knew it would be curbside, so it was extra important that I choose a CAV with a very good reputation. And honestly, they lived up to it. One came home with a new wing issue, so they comp'ed xrays to make sure they hadn't accidentally hurt him during handling. Vet gave tons of attention, coming out curbside to explain everything and answer a million questions. Followed up with emails and continued the discussion. A+

However, I honestly believe this is 100% about vets enjoying their job more when pet owners don't attend exams, and has nothing to due with COVID at this point. This makes me very upset. I only partly appreciate that they can better focus on the job and the pet without the presence of the owner. However, I could have shown the vet how my bird tolerates handling and what he especially likes and dislikes (this absolutely helped out with a previous vet). And I guarantee my bird's stress level would have been lower with me present for the handling (he came home absolutely traumatized). Vets need to have as compassion for the people equal or in excess to the pet, in my opinion, and should let owners back into the office.

Precisely why I adore my CAV! Dr. L never shied away from parront participation with exam and basic treatments. (pre Covid) I've watched beak grinding, ultrasounds, blood draws, etc in exam room. Now, some procedures best performed in dedicated central suite and on occasion must be slotted into flow of patient care.

 

[GaleriaGila]

WOW! Sincerest sympathy! How awful. My avian vet is my hero. I'm sure I have been profoundly lucky... and spoiled.
Of you're interested, here's a list of vets, in case you feel like looking around...
Certified Avian Vets
https://abvp.com/animal-owners/find-an-abvp-specialist/
If none are near you...
Avian Veterinarians
http://www.aav.org/search/custom.asp?id=1803

Best of luck.

 

[Shoegoo]

It went well, they contacted me in the parking area right before the exam. My little GCC enjoys great health and is in a good home. She did lay an egg last year. The vet mentioned that her pelvis has closed back to normal. She got her nails trimmed and her shot.