Yearly Checkup Coming Up

[katie_fleming]

Hey guys,

It's time for Jasper to have his yearly checkup. As some of you might remember last year was an absolute nightmare with dozens of visits when he was sick so many times. (Touch wood) He has been healthy this entire year without any problems so hoping this visit goes smoothly!

Couple of questions. What are the normal tests for a yearly visit? Last year for me "didn't count" b/c of the other issues going on, so I want to know what to expect for a typical checkup.

Also, its gotten quite cold here, so I want to make sure I transport him safely. I always use a Car2Go, but sometimes the closest one can be a few blocks away.

I have a pak-o-bird for him and bought the fleece cover for it last year. Estimating when his appointment comes around it could be 5 degrees or so (Celsius). If I end up having to go a couple blocks to get a car, do I need to put any type of heat source in the bag? Not sure how fast it cools down.

If yes, what can I use? I have a couple of those hand warmer things you shake -- I could put a towel on the bottom with one underneath?

Thanks very much!

 

[Anansi]

Hey, Katie!

I remember well all the vet visits from last year, so I've been quite happy to see how healthy Jasper has been this year.

For a yearly vet visit, you'll probably be looking at a blood test, fecal gram stain, physical exam, weighing, and maybe a throat swab.

As for the transport, why not get the car first, drive it to your place and then load Jasper in? Whenever taking my birds in to the vet during winter, I've always found a blanket draped over the carrier to be sufficient. But I'm usually going from the parking lot to the vet's office and vice-versa, rather than a walk of a few blocks. But if driving to your place first isn't an option, I think he should be okay for a walk of a few blocks in 5 degree C weather (41 degrees F) using the fleece cover alone.

Let us know how the appointment goes!

 

[plumsmum2005]

I'll go with Stephen that a brisk walk of a few blocks should be fine using the fleece cover. The main enemy will be cold wind blowing into the pak o bird. If you walk briskly then Jasper will have to move with you to keep his balance and this will help keep him warm. Him being too warm could be as bad as not warm enough IMO. Perhaps give him some exercise before you go to warm him up etc. Hope all goes well with the check up.

 

[SailBoat]

With the quality of the Posts you have received to this point, there is very little if anything to add.

The weather (temperature) you will experience on the day of the Avian Vet visit will be greatly affected by how windy, and whether it is a cloudy or sunny day. When the day arrives, its becomes a judgement call as to whether you walk with your Jasper or you obtain the car and return home to pick him up!

By the way, what time of day can also have an affect as first thing in the morning or early mid-afternoon could have a fairly wide swing in temperature, wind and whether it is sunny or not.

Plan around, picking the car up and returning for Jasper and if the day is wonderful, enjoy the walk!

 

[katie_fleming]

Fantastic! Thank you all for the info/suggestions, greatly appreciated Will let you know how it all goes

 

[GaleriaGila]

Good luck!

After all these year of uneventful physicals, I am so slacking about yearly exams... I am so ashamed and pledging to do better after joining this site. I'm also pledging to do some "desensitization" visits... no treatments/exams, just visits.

As it is, vet visits are awful. He knows what's up. Attacks vet and staff the instant his travel door opens. I'm sure the whole office dread his presence. Man, the vet is EXPERT, though... grabs him and does what has to be done.

 

[katie_fleming]

Another question! Would there be any harm waiting until ~April to postpone his yearly checkup? I'd much prefer it happen each year on his birthday (easy to remember / warmer weather for transport).

The schedule got all messed up last year with him being sick. I'd prefer waiting to "reset" his schedule.

Anyone see a problem with this? Weight is good, hasn't been sick this year, appetite normal, etc.

Appreciate your opinions!

 

[Anansi]

As long as all seems well, I don't see why not. He's looking pretty good! Not to mention that it would allay your worries some regarding the walk to the car.

 

[katie_fleming]

As long as all seems well, I don't see why not. He's looking pretty good! Not to mention that it would allay your worries some regarding the walk to the car.

Ok great, so I think I'll do that then. Worried about the temp for the weekend. Of course if anything happens I'll bring him in a heartbeat but for the yearly checkups I'll move it to April.

I'm quite happy with the weight hes put on over the course of a year, looking healthier and his immune system finally seems to have caught up.

Thanks for your help again!

 

[plumsmum2005]

I can't see any harm either but am chuckling at poor Jasper going to the doc on his birthday ha ha. Shush we won't tell him if you won't LOL.

 

[katie_fleming]

I can't see any harm either but am chuckling at poor Jasper going to the doc on his birthday ha ha. Shush we won't tell him if you won't LOL.

Haha! Shhhhh :27:

He'll be fine when he gets back to a box of bday presents :04: