Vet Visit - No Blood Test...

Violet_Diva · Oct 6, 2016

So before I took Bella to the vets I was sure I was going to have her tested for various things...

Once I was at the vets and realised the reality that she'd have to have anesthetic in order to take the blood sample, I just couldn't stop thinking about the possibility that she could be allergic to the anesthetic or that she wouldn't wake up. I know the chance of something going wrong is like a percent or something, but I couldn't stop myself thinking that someone has to be that 1%...

The vet said she looked very healthy and that she was a good weight and that her diet was good etc. She said "we can do as many tests as you want if that's what you want to do, but if she hasn't shown any symptoms of anything I can't advise or insist that you to have them done." So I told her every niggling thing about Bellas behaviour incase anything was a possible symptom of anything. The only thing that came up as a possible concern was that I'd seen Bella sneezing more than once during a week period. So the vet prescribed Baytril & Fungitraxx "just incase".

I told the vet about my previous occupant indoors being a feral pigeon and that I was worried about the possibility of residual pigeon particles infecting Bella with something. The vet said that based on the time-frame I gave, if Bella hasn't already exhibited symptoms of anything by now, then it wasn't likely that anything infections is hanging around, but I bought some F10 disinfectant to re-clean the room just incase...

Has anyone else not had the tests done because of anaesthetic fear?

Has anyone decided not to test their bird(s) for any other reasons?

Has anyone been that 1% that had a problem with the anesthetic?

Please share your experiences...

Flboy · Oct 6, 2016

Our vet only does blood work if there is a reason for it, not just checkups!
For a fraction of the cost, you can have this done on your own.
Bird Sample Submission | Animal Genetics UK

SailBoat · Oct 6, 2016

Violet_Diva said:
So before I took Bella to the vets I was sure I was going to have her tested for various things...

Once I was at the vets and realised the reality that she'd have to have anesthetic in order to take the blood sample, I just couldn't stop thinking about the possibility that she could be allergic to the anesthetic or that she wouldn't wake up. I know the chance of something going wrong is like a percent or something, but I couldn't stop myself thinking that someone has to be that 1%...

The vet said she looked very healthy and that she was a good weight and that her diet was good etc. She said "we can do as many tests as you want if that's what you want to do, but if she hasn't shown any symptoms of anything I can't advise or insist that you to have them done." So I told her every niggling thing about Bellas behaviour incase anything was a possible symptom of anything. The only thing that came up as a possible concern was that I'd seen Bella sneezing more than once during a week period. So the vet prescribed Baytril & Fungitraxx "just incase".

I told the vet about my previous occupant indoors being a feral pigeon and that I was worried about the possibility of residual pigeon particles infecting Bella with something. The vet said that based on the time-frame I gave, if Bella hasn't already exhibited symptoms of anything by now, then it wasn't likely that anything infections is hanging around, but I bought some F10 disinfectant to re-clean the room just incase...

Has anyone else not had the tests done because of anaesthetic fear?

Has anyone decided not to test their bird(s) for any other reasons?

Has anyone been that 1% that had a problem with the anesthetic?

Please share your experiences...

Each Vet has their own approach to Avian Vet Visits; what is included as part of a new client visit, what procedure(s) and how those are handled i.e. where or not anesthetic is used.

Based on the above, I can only tell you what my Avian Vet does.

New Client Visit Includes:
Check whether Parrot has a Leg Band
Check whether Parrot has an existing Micro Chip
Check whether Parrot has an existing Sex Marking
Check Parrot Weight
Gram Stain Test
Full Spectrum Blood Test
Full Physical Examination

Additional items:
Depending on local outbreaks (as reported by Vets in this area) - Additional testing as required from local event or recommended based on above testing.

Trimming of nails, wings and/or beak - if needed

Insert Micro Chip (mid - large Parrots only) - commonly insert at the next scheduled Avian Vet visit.

Neither my current or past Avian Vets have used or recommended anesthetic for a blood sampling.

With the surgeries that my Amazons have needed over the years the Avian Vet has used anesthetic. At present, three Amazons for a total of five surgeries.

SailBoat · Oct 6, 2016

Flboy said:
Our vet only does blood work if there is a reason for it, not just checkups!
For a fraction of the cost, you can have this done on your own.
Bird Sample Submission | Animal Genetics UK

Full Spectrum Blood Testing or DNA Sex Testing?

I am aware of DNA Sex Testing by Mail, but not at all aware of Full Spectrum Blood Testing being available by Mail. I believe it involves far more blood than a DNA test correct?

My Amazons are older /sicker and I request full spectrum testing every third Quarter. I can see testing every fifth Quarter with a healthy Parrot, so as to see any variation over a year cycle (variation based on Season). But once again, I deal with a different group then most owners /members here.

plumsmum2005 · Oct 6, 2016

I share your fears as Plum has to have blood taken fairly regularly and always sigh with relief if he doesn't need it. To be honest here in UK I don't think an AV would just do blood tests willy nilly without some sort of indications that they were necessary.

At the last appointment for Plum my AV asked me what I wanted to do which was fair after all tests are not cheap but if suffering is involved then I think the approach would be different.

wrench13 · Oct 6, 2016

When we first got Salty, he went to our Avian vet for a wellness check up. The vet drew blood, and Salty was not put under for that. All parrots have a bare spot at the base of the neck , where the feathers do not grow and there is a blood vessel there that the vet drew blood from. Not sure now if there was no anesthesia because Salty was pretty calm , or my vet is just a bit more skilled?

chris-md · Oct 6, 2016

Odd, I agree everyone does it differently. My Avian vet, first time definitely do a CBC. She has never aenesthetised him for his blood draws. It maybe your vet might not be as skilled in this area.

I had Parker get a hormone implant. They did put him under for a couple minutes. I think if that's all, then I wouldn't stress too much about it. They put small animals under for longer surgeries. It might be worth it if this is a first visit to get the CBC done, even if they have to put join under for a minute or two (that's all it is).

I look healthy, reasonablyfit. but you wouldn't know I have high cholesterol unless you drew my blood.

I do admit to being a bit perplexed at a reticence to do a simple blood panel. It's good practice to obtain baseline numbers to compare to in case he gets sick. That to me is really important.

Anansi · Oct 6, 2016

I have never heard of an avian vet requiring anesthetic for a blood test. For a skilled vet, I don't think that it would be necessary. As Al pointed out, there is an area at the base of the neck that the vets usually use. Further, due to the fact that there aren't many pain receptors in that area, a skilled vet can pull off a blood draw without any discomfort to the bird. (Well, not counting their aggravation at being held immobile, of course.)

A full physical examination, full spectrum blood test and a gram stain are all part of a good, thorough veterinary checkup in my opinion.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

GaleriaGila · Oct 6, 2016

The Rbird has had two blood tests over the years, no anesthetic, and boy was he a terror. Both times, I could hear him screaming in the back room where they took him, and when he was brought back out he looked like he had been completely ruffled the wrong way. Both times, I almost cried at the sight. After the second time i began refusing blood tests. One vet wanted me to sign something saying I refused. No problem. I would have consented if he showed any sign at all of illness.
Honestly, the only reason I take him is so that he is hopefully less afraid in the event he ever actually needs treatment. I weigh him at least monthly, and I'm a compulsive poop-watcher like most of us are.

GaleriaGila · Oct 6, 2016

Gee, Chris, that's a good point... about cholesterol...
You've got me thinking.

EllenD · Oct 6, 2016

My certified avian vet always does a full blood panel during the bird's first "well-birdy" check up along with fecal smears. He did it to my Quaker, both my green cheek's, and my cockatiel during their first check ups when I first brought them home. He also had to take blood from one of my budgies when he was sick. During all of these blood draws he took at least half a tube of blood, and he never once used an anaesthetic to do it. He just quickly wiped the vein in the bird's neck with alcohol and took the blood. No problems at all, and none of my birds even as much as twitched during or after.

I agree that I would be concerned if they had to put my birds under every time they needed to take blood, but that just shouldn't be the case. I'd hate to think that vets aren't giving proper care or testing for things they should be or would like to test for simply because they feel the need to put the bird under for blood work.

Is your bird not tame or does he bite and make a huge fuss at the vet's? I'm only asking because that would make sense then. They may have to put certain birds/animals under before taking blood for their safety as well as the animal's.

plumsmum2005 · Oct 7, 2016

Anansi said:
I have never heard of an avian vet requiring anesthetic for a blood test. For a skilled vet, I don't think that it would be necessary. As Al pointed out, there is an area at the base of the neck that the vets usually use. Further, due to the fact that there aren't many pain receptors in that area, a skilled vet can pull off a blood draw without any discomfort to the bird. (Well, not counting their aggravation at being held immobile, of course.)

A full physical examination, full spectrum blood test and a gram stain are all part of a good, thorough veterinary checkup in my opinion.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

Have picked up some differences in USA/UK as each time Plum has required a blood test he is put out for a few minutes which can result in him being sick after. There is no long term effect on him. It is all quickly done as usually wait for him and bring him straight home again. At the same time he has also had a micro chip implanted, x-rays and or nails done which is impossible normally. I have actually just phoned my AV to clarify the point and was told that they do give parrots 'just a whiff of gas'. Plum has been given injections awake whilst I have been there in the consulting room with him and to be honest he didn't even notice it was happening. May choose to discuss this point myself on the next appointment.

Obviously as Violet Diva is located in UK and not too happy to have an anesthetic it would possibly be best to have a chat with the AV and discuss this point, a good vet is always happy to listen and there has been some useful info given to take along.

Vet Visit - No Blood Test...

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