Veterinary Care For Birds And Reptiles

While most pet owners know to bring their sick or injured bird or reptile pet to their veterinarian, few realize that it is just as important to make regular veterinary visits when their pet is seemingly "healthy." Why is this important? Consider the following:

• Many exotic pets are only a few generations away from their wild counterparts. Wild animals and birds hide illness because it makes them more a target for predators, and healthy flock mates may even drive an ill bird from the flock.

• There are many species of birds and reptiles now kept as pets, compared to only two species of domestic pets, dogs and cats. Very little medical information on each species is available to your veterinarian compared to the years of research done for dogs and cats. However, if your pet has a regular weight check, physical and appropriate medical tests performed while he is well, your veterinarian can detect abnormal changes sooner than if he was only presented when ill.

• You have the opportunity to discuss diet, cage requirements, proper lighting, proper behavior, and any other questions you have with your veterinarian. Many illnesses are caused by unintentionally overlooking some important health requirement for your pet. Although pet shop employees may be very knowledgeable if you are lucky to find the right person, many have little training and may give bad advice about the care of your pet.

The E.O.A.H. staff strives to provide the best health care for your exotic pet. The following is a brief summary for veterinary care for several species of birds and reptiles. If you have specific questions, please feel free to call the hospital.

Birds

Small Birds such as Parakeets, Cockatiels and Lovebirds:

• Full physical examination and weight check every 6 months. Discuss any diet or husbandry problems.
• Screening test for psittacosis or "Parrot Fever" also called Chlamydia infection. This is very important for new birds.
• Fecal parasite check
• Fecal and oral Gram stain for abnormal bacteria or yeasts.
• Giardia ELISA
• Complete blood count
• Blood biochemistry tests: glucose, calcium, protein, liver and kidney enzymes

Medium to Large Birds such as Amazon Parrots, Cockatoos, and Macaws:

• Full physical examination, weight check every 6-12 months, discuss any diet and husbandry problems.
• Screening test for psittacosis or "Parrot Fever" also called Chlamydia infection. This is very important for new birds.
• Fecal parasite check
• Fecal and oral Gram stain for abnormal bacteria or yeasts.
• Complete blood count
• Giardia ELISA
• Blood biochemistry tests: glucose, calcium, protein, liver and kidney enzymes
• Radiographs or "X-rays" to evaluate internal organs
• DNA test for Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD)
• DNA test for polyomavirus
• Protein electrophoresis
• Vaccinations only if needed for polyomavirus or Pacheco's disease

New Pets, Baby Birds and Older Birds:

• New pets should receive an examination as soon as possible. Tests for contagious diseases are very important if there are already other birds in the home. A new bird in the household should also be quarantined away from other birds for at least 30 days.
• Baby birds need frequent examinations and weight checks, especially at weaning time. Weekly visits to the veterinary office may be needed.
• Permanent identification for your bird is strongly advised. We recommend the microchip system, which is safe and unremovable.
• Older birds need more frequent examinations and weight checks. Blood chemistries, complete blood counts and radiographs are important to check for aging changes in the internal organs and to screen for cancer.

Reptiles

New Reptiles or Juveniles:

• Complete physical examination and weight check every 3-6 months. Discuss any diet or husbandry questions.
• Fecal parasite check
• Swabs of the mouth and cloaca for bacterial evaluation (Gram stain or culture)
• Radiographs "X-rays" to check for proper bone growth
• Fecal culture for Salmonella or other harmful bacteria (at least 3 tests).
• Complete blood count
• Blood biochemistry evaluation: calcium, glucose, liver and kidney enzymes

Adult Reptiles:

• Complete physical examination and weight check every 6-12 months. Discuss any diet or husbandry questions.
• Prebreeding examination for reptiles in a breeding program.
• Fecal parasite check
• Swabs of the mouth and cloaca for bacterial evaluation (Gram stain or culture)
• Radiographs "X-rays" to check for bone loss.
• Fecal culture for Salmonella or other harmful bacteria (at least 3 tests).
• Complete blood count
• Blood biochemistry evaluation: calcium, glucose, liver and kidney enzymes