Can a vet do an x ray without anesthesia?

As I mentioned in a previous post, the vet took an x ray of my blue crown Lampshade a few weeks ago which showed a slightly enlarged liver. She said they didn't need to gas her to take the x ray. She didn't actually show me the picture until I asked to see it. Now I'm thinking - does this sound right? Just wondering because in every procedure I've read about they needed to gas the bird in order to take the x ray. How could she have made her hold still?
By the way, her droppings still don't look right - less volume than before. Her appetite has been off, especially today. She's still nippy and has been moulting. I've added Harrison's high potency to her diet but she doesn't go for it, prefers her Nutriberries. I believe she's under a lot of stress and I'm not sure how to help her. Any suggestions would be great.

Hi, my vet typically uses gas for the X ray but I have definitely heard it doesn't always HAVE to be used in every case. So it is totally possible your vet got a good Xray without gas (not exactly sure of the procedure because I haven't done it with my bird).

Did your vet give you any special diet recommendations after the exam, Xray, etc?

She just mentioned that the Nutriberries were too high in fat. What do you feed Gilbert?

Anesthesia is usually required in the avian patient inorder to get the proper technique for a readable radiograph. I've worked for vets who didn't require sedation and let me tell you it is difficult to get a terrfied bird to lay on it's back and lay quietly for proper positioning. It's a waste of time and supplies to try again and again. I've argued this point many times with veterinians who say the owner can't afford anethesia, and to shutup and get the job done. Honestly, on the veterinary side, as a technician I'd much rather sedate an anxious/fractious patient for any procedure. It makes things go quicker. Take the shot and wake the patient. And with digital equipment you can see the results instantly in order to check the quality of your work. Another point to consider is digital radiographic equipment does not tolerate patient movement.

Animals don't understand you are trying to help them. They are terrified for their lives and do whatever it takes to survive. And humans have their desire to stay alive, too. Then there are the humans who think they have to 'win' at all costs. Experienced animal professionals know better. Sedating a patient can really make things easier for everybody.

When a patient expresses concern about sedation, I give them all the information I can in order to ease their anxiety. In my book these people are spending a lot of money and they deserve the respect of everyone in the veterinary clinic. Patient concern is the number one reason why many veterinarian require routine bloodwork on avian patients. This gives the veterinary professional an idea of how to sedate a patient. If the liver is compromised they will chose a certain method of sedation. If the kidneys are a little off they then know what to avoid and maybe give a bit of SC fluids to help things along.

If at any time you have concerns about your patient wether it be feathered or furred, ask questions. And if your answers are not answered in a kindly manner find another vet. Smart Vets realize patients who question them are the ones who keep them on the ball. No matter what, ask questions and learn all you can.

So, yes sedation is usually necessary to take a good radiograph unless the patient is compliant. And the avian patient is usually not compliant about laying still for any length of time. Sedation does have its risks and only you and your vet can decide what to do for your pet.

Heck, when it comes down to it, I'm not too compliant with my dentist either! And believe you me they are quick to sedate a patient like me!

Buttons said:

She just mentioned that the Nutriberries were too high in fat. What do you feed Gilbert?

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I feed Gil Harrison's pellet and human food (veggies and pasta are a favorite). He gets nutriberries for a treat as well as an occasional "parrot blend" treat with nuts and fruit and dried peppers.

One of my vets does NOT use anything. He took Robin, and was back with him and the digital x-ray within what seemed like seconds!!

He's one of only 10 ALL avian vets in the US. He's an expert on it, so I suppose he knows the trick

I'm sorry to hear Lampshade is still a little 'off'. Have to addressed the droppings with your vet? Good luck

RavensGryf said:

I'm sorry to hear Lampshade is still a little 'off'. Have to addressed the droppings with your vet? Good luck

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Sorry for the late reply. The vet thought the milk thistle/lactulose was affecting her droppings, which I don't think is the case. I'm thinking of going to a different vet but this involves more driving and I don't want to stress Lampshade with that. The main thing now is the droppings just don't seem as large as before. She did start molting a couple of weeks ago so I need to get her to eat more (still can't convert her to Harrison's).

RavensGryf said:

One of my vets does NOT use anything. He took Robin, and was back with him and the digital x-ray within what seemed like seconds!!

He's one of only 10 ALL avian vets in the US. He's an expert on it, so I suppose he knows the trick

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Now that's a vet I'd like to bring her to!

ruffledfeathers said:

Buttons said:

She just mentioned that the Nutriberries were too high in fat. What do you feed Gilbert?

Click to expand...

I feed Gil Harrison's pellet and human food (veggies and pasta are a favorite). He gets nutriberries for a treat as well as an occasional "parrot blend" treat with nuts and fruit and dried peppers.

Click to expand...

She doesn't eat too many veggies, but she does like peas. It's cute how she "peels" each pea to get the soft part inside. Did Gilbert eat the Harrison's right away or did it take time? Lampshade will take in her beak and then toss it.