Abstract
Question #1: Through the years, I have been to several different avian veterinarians. Each vet recommends different tests for my birds. I appreciate that there are different reasons for doing these tests, but I really can't figure out which tests I should do each year on my birds. I have three pet birds, which I dearly love. Since there are several vets that answer these questions, I thought I would ask and hear what each of you has to say. So, My question is what tests would I do on my birds each year and why?Cl. Stud.If, Virginia
Answer #1: If your birds appear healthy and you feel that they are stable and a complete physical examination and careful history do not reveal any problems, I would, as a minimum, recommend a yearly gram stain of the upper respiratory tract and of the lower digestive tract, and every other year a complete blood count. Needless to say, if there were any abnormality found I would go further with testing and evaluation.
James ;11. J-lazus, DVM Oakland, CA
Answer #2: I am going to assume that these are routine checkup requests. If so, the tests recommended might vary with the history. For example, if one of your pets is a macaw (or other high risk species) acquired within the last two years, in our area we might recommend screening tests for signs of proventricular dilatation disease (POD), especially since you have two other birds at risk. Yearly weights....