What to expect of a new vet?

[CrystalFeather04]

Hi, although I have had parrots for a long time. I have just switched vets as mine moved away. What should I expect of a new vet? Is there anything to look out for to make sure the vet will be a good vet like my last one? I would just keep my old vet, but she moved 3 hours away. She was an amazing vet, and I am really sad that she moved. She took care of my fids really well, and was always so nice to them. She was a really good vet. My Sun conure is needed to go to the vet to get all checked. As my sun is my newest flock member and I like to go ahead and get all that needs to be done, done.

 

[ChristaNL]

You are at least one huge step ahead in this game: you already know what a good CAV looks like - how your birds should be treated etc..
(This may sound lame, but if you've never seen a CAV up close it is a lot harder to figure out if (s)he is competent or just bluffing.)
Just keep your old vet as a back-up?

If you ever need a second opinion, you have a trusted friend/doc. right there.


They all have different styles-

I have 3 of them floating around, and while I prefer the way one deals with parrots, the other one is bettter in dealing with the human-side.
So sometimes - if you have behaviour-issues that are in the field of parrot-human interaction it sometimes this makes a big difference -> they know this and if the other party is free (or may be interested) they will 'pop down the hall' and try and get their collegue in as well, but if it is just 'scrapes and bruises' or 'regular check-up' they will fly solo.


Just meet the new CAV, sniff each other out and I think you will know.
(And yes disliking that person just because (s)he is not what you are used to is allright - when it comes to changing doctors.. nobody really likes changes, but if the new one seems competent enough - you make it work )

 

[CrystalFeather04]

Thank you for the reply. I hope this vet is good. From over the phone they sound really decent. I called her(the new vet) and she set up an appointment. I asked her a few questions like if she was a new vet, or if she has done it for a while and just moved? I also asked if she was also educated in Exotics. My old vet, she was not just an Avian vet, she was an exotic vet. But she did a lot more with avian species. She had a few birds of her own. She had a lovely Scarlet macaw, and two Beautiful Cockatoos. I think those were all the birds, or that’s the only ones she talked about. So I ask the new vet if she had any birds. To my surprise, she did! She has a Blue and gold macaw. But she is also educated is both avian and exotics. But her office is for avian species? I thought if you were also an exotic vet that it would have to be both? But I am pretty happy that she is an avian vet. Unfortunately for me, that means I also have to find a new vet for my exotic pets. Like my reptiles. I am sure I will find one. But unlike my birds, they don’t necessarily need to go and have check ups all the time. Even though I prefer them to. So wish me luck in finding a new exotic vet!

 

[ChristaNL]

*keeping fingers crossed*

Not sure where you live, but EllenD might know a few exotic vets that are worth their salt. LOL sometimes I think she knows every vet for any type of animal.

But maybe your new CAV will take on your other animals as well?
If she takes over the practice from your old vet it kind of makes sense she takes over the patients as well...

 

[CrystalFeather04]

*keeping fingers crossed*

Not sure where you live, but EllenD might know a few exotic vets that are worth their salt. LOL sometimes I think she knows every vet for any type of animal.

But maybe your new CAV will take on your other animals as well?
If she takes over the practice from your old vet it kind of makes sense she takes over the patients as well...

Yeah, I’ll have to ask her about it. I bet she would!

 

[Scott]

I understand your frustration, an excellent avian vet is difficult to replace. Have you asked the outgoing vet for a local recommendation? She will likely be aware of peers, reputations, and hopefully render good advice.

Not all "exotic" vets have relevant avian experience and equipment, so finding a certified avian or equivalent is critical. Depending on your locale, you may find a few or none within reasonable distance. I am also aware some truly excellent vets forego formal ongoing certification for reasons of cost and paperwork. So word of mouth and public review sources such as Yelp and local networks are helpful.

On a personal basis, evaluating the vet's educational accomplishments, "bedside manner," and onsite equipment is important. A nearby 24/7 clinic has "bird hospital" as suffix to name, but little dedicated equipment and no CAVs on permanent staff. I especially appreciate my current vet's willingness to accomplish procedures in the exam room while explaining in great detail. (brings in equipment as needed, complex procedures of course in the non-public section)