They hurt her

Piasa

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Jan 12, 2016
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Beau 20 year old male Green Cheek || Jimmy Bullet 17 year old female white cap pionus parrot
Jimmy was in to the vet at the beginning of this week for a blood draw, not my usual vet but someone I believed was good and works with birds at a well respected clinic. I wasn't allowed to be with her, but I could hear her screaming (not exactly abnormal) and then gurgling as she screamed (something I have never heard before). When I got her back, I was told they weren't able to get any blood because the vein blew and that she would be lethargic for the rest of the day.

She has felt poorly ever since, and so I got her in to the vet I trust today and it turns out they had torn her skin and she has a big scab and tons of bruising! Not normal! She should be okay as she is letting it heal and will be monitored but OMG I am so sick over this! Why wasn't I told something happened when it happened? I feel lied to and cheated. She could have died.

She didn't eat for a day because her neck was so sore she couldn't climb on her cage bars. I had to hand feed her. Now she is preoccupied with preening around her neck.

I am having trouble figuring out what to do about it all, except for taking care of her the best I can :(
 

plumsmum2005

New member
Nov 18, 2015
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England, UK
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Lou, Ruby, and Sonu.
Fly free Plum, my gorgeous boy.
OMG I am so sorry this is horrendous! I hope you were not charged for this? Is it possible to report this so called Vet to a higher authority?? I would look at who they have to register with after completing their training. Plum is given a wiff of gas to knock him out when this needs to be done. Still not brill but he has had it done a few times and suffered no trauma so far. The most important thing is to take care of her, give her lots of love - take photos if possible for evidence if required. If no go with reporting this vet and you are on Social Media shout about it long and loud. You have a perfect excuse to INSIST you stay with your bird in the future and that Vet doesn't go near! Hope she recovers quickly and soon.
 
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Piasa

Member
Jan 12, 2016
569
15
USA Nomad
Parrots
Beau 20 year old male Green Cheek || Jimmy Bullet 17 year old female white cap pionus parrot
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I did have to pay and it was expensive to boot. Thank you for all of the good ideas. Jimmy is such a loving and docile little parrot, it kills me that she has to go through all this crap.
 

plumsmum2005

New member
Nov 18, 2015
5,330
94
England, UK
Parrots
Lou, Ruby, and Sonu.
Fly free Plum, my gorgeous boy.
when you feel stronger how about demanding a refund and an apology? Totally unacceptable. Focus on your little one for now shes the important thing.
 

OOwl

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Oct 12, 2010
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Texas
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Rosebreasted Cockatoo, Congo Grey, MRH Amazon, Lovebird
That is horrible. My vet is always so honest with me about the potential dangers of drawing blood on a small parrot (my bird that spends the most time at the vet is a small peachfaced lovebird, so really small). She is always up front with me how the procedure goes (and, truthfully, things can easily go wrong). You are definitely due the truth and an apology. How scary. I'm sorry.
 

Allee

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Oct 27, 2013
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U2-Poppy(Poppy lives with her new mommy, Misty now) CAG-Jack, YNA, Bingo, Budgie-Piper, Cockatiel-Sweet Pea Quakers-Harry, Sammy, Wilson ***Zeke (quaker) Twinkle (budgie) forever in our hearts
I'm sorry you and Jimmy had such an awful experience. I'm glad you were able to see your trusted vet. I hope Jimmy recovers quickly.

You could send a written factual detailed account of your experience to your state licensing board requesting an investigation and response. As Oowl mentioned, drawing blood from small birds is a delicate procedure but you should have been told what to expect beforehand. A licensed vet should have the skill and experience to safely perform the procedure. An investigation by the licensing board may be enough to give the veterinarian and staff reason to be less negligent in the future.
 
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RavensGryf

Supporting Member
Jan 19, 2014
14,233
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College Station, Texas
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Red Bellied Parrot /
Ruppell's Parrot /
Bronze Winged Pionus /
English Budgie
I'm sorry this has happened :(. Seems like it's alarmingly common that we hear so called avian vet offices perform incompetently or as if they aren't too experienced with birds. That was highly unprofessional to not disclose to you what had happened. They were afraid to face you, so instead they just hoped you went away and never noticed.

I guess I should be thankful that I have 2 vets who are great. One who is exclusively birds, doesn't even use a tech. He doesn't trust techs or assistants! He is such an expert that he does most things without gas, and draws blood from my wildest of birds in front of me with one hand.

This sort of thing makes me really think, if I ever move out of the area or to another state... I agree with Allee about looking into filing a complaint requesting an investigation and resolution.
 

SailBoat

Supporting Member
Jul 10, 2015
17,646
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Western, Michigan
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DYH Amazon
The recommendation regarding reporting this is spot on!

However, to get a response, you will need to be very factual regarding what happened. Think of it as writing a police report - very factual. Pictures are as important as the written facts. Confirm that you have taken and verified with another Vet what in fact happened to your parrot. State, that if needed, you will provide your Vet's report. I truly hope that your normal Vet included his/her findings as part of your parrots visit report.

FYI: Always get a copy of your parrot's visit report after each visit. You have a right to this report. NOTE: Ask for a copy of the report from the offending Vet!
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
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San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Very sad indeed. Please do not let that ham-fisted practice get away with silence.

After years of patronizing an avian specialist practice with some dubious outcomes I have developed a relationship with a terrific and ethical vet - as in a veteran and caring veterinarian!!

Looking back, I was insufficiently assertive and far too trusting. Bottom line is to question, always question in a respectful but informed manner. If necessary I would not hesitate to contact oversight and licensing authorities with well organized evidence. As parronts, we have the duty to speak for the silent!
 
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Piasa

Member
Jan 12, 2016
569
15
USA Nomad
Parrots
Beau 20 year old male Green Cheek || Jimmy Bullet 17 year old female white cap pionus parrot
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  • #10
I have a game plan for Monday now. Thank you all for your support and advice. Staying strong for my little pi.
 

macawluv

New member
Jan 14, 2015
67
0
Milwaukee, Wi
Parrots
Blue and Gold Macaw
Wow. How awful. This solidifies my opinion and is exactly why I have never/ will never let my bird unattended at the vet. I am sorry you and he had to go through that stress. At least some good will come from your experience in that more of us are now aware.
 

Ann333

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Jan 8, 2015
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New Mexico
Parrots
--PUMPKIN - male YS GCC. Hatched Halloween Day 2014. Came home Jan. 4, 2015. Started talking in July '15!

-BUTTERNUT- female TYS GCC Hatched in late Jan. 2016 and came home March 14, 2016
That is terrible!! I am so sorry. I have no words of advice. My vet is not an avian vet But I love in a small town and have to take what I can get. He has always been very honest with my though and I would think for just a blood test I would be allowed in the room to monitor.
 

henpecked

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Dec 12, 2010
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If they won't let me stay in the exam room, i leave. The offeding vet might have been capable but his tech might not have been able/qualified to handle birds. In these situations I'll hold the bird myself. IMO accidents like this are caused by "greenhorn" techs at a non avian vet . That's why you need to be in the exam room at all times. I've had to say "stop" before and shudder to think what might occur if i wasn't there .
 

Birdman666

Well-known member
Sep 18, 2013
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San Antonio, TX
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Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
If they won't let me stay in the exam room, i leave. The offeding vet might have been capable but his tech might not have been able/qualified to handle birds. In these situations I'll hold the bird myself. IMO accidents like this are caused by "greenhorn" techs at a non avian vet . That's why you need to be in the exam room at all times. I've had to say "stop" before and shudder to think what might occur if i wasn't there .

Yeah. I agree. If they want to keep me out of the exam room, then I need a different vet. I've stopped people from doing stupid things to my birds a couple of times as well...

When you find a good vet, you stick with them.
 

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