One more reason i love this place!

I had the most wonderful experience today. I visited well-known avian DVM Jamie Lindstrom, annd I was astounded at his expertise and sincerity, and the amazing staff and facility (24/7 avian emergency room, for example). I actually saw him (with the Rb) about 15 years ago when we first moved from New Mexico to Ohio (he was all over the pages of BIRD TALK magazine back then, and even though he was some 2 hours away, I had to see him just once). I am very sorry I ever stopped. I have made it a point recently (on the advice of folks here) to acquaint myself with ALL local avian DVM resources. Now that the Rb is going on 33, I want to have lots of options, especially in the event of emergency. Dr. L. handled the Rb with such ease and confidence... dear ol' Rb didn't even seem that stressed. Complete physical, lab work... he spent an hour and a half wth us. Was very very VERY well-versed in the history, habits, and husbandry of Patagonians. He said he had seen Patagonians in his practice dwindle (for assorted reasons) until Rb is now the only one. He heard the Rb screeching in the waiting room, he said, and instantly knew... there was a "Pati" in the house!

That's all good news, but there was a bit of not-good news. He discovered something no other vet has ever found, thanks to the exhaustive feather-by-feather physical exam. The Rb is guilty of (I learned a new term) BARBERING (meaning CHEWING) the first few flight feathers on both wings... down to the base. It's not readily visible; he still flies; no telling how long OR WHY he's been doing this. WEIRD, eh??? So I now have a mystery to explore/research/evaluate. His best guess was a bit of arthritis in the mid-wing which Rb addressed by barbering a bit. Scary, but...

Still... a great day.

THANK YOU ALL for helping me go from WORRYING to DOING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One more reason I love my lady. Geez, she goes the 9 yards for that bird.

And yeah, I love this place.

Okay, just so I understand here, the flight feathers that RB is barbering is the outer most Wing feathers (the feathers that first cut the air), or the inter most Primary Wing Feathers (at the separation point between the Secondary and Primary Feathers)? I am guessing they are the inter most Primary Feathers. That being true, there would be no noticeable loss in his ability to fly.

Please remember that when you begin this process, the most important part will be to have 'in your hands' the accumulation of all the Vet visits that you can get your hands on! When (not 'if') an emergency places you at the door of the nearest Avian Support Service, you have that collection of documents.

Source of RB's Barbering: I really like the observation of Dr. L. The location, in and of itself, would have little else to define it as a target area.

Yes, it is a joy to watch a true expert preforming their craft!

Enjoy your adventure!

I'm so happy you rekindled a relationship with a veterinary master, and Rb tolerated the outing well. Having observed a few vets over the years, I do believe our pets can size-up individuals and react accordingly.

The only bird I have who regularly engages in "barbering" is a Goffin, and a very high-strung one at that. Don't know if this is a coincidence, would you consider Rb to be high-strung?

It sounds like a wonderful vet visit and a wonderful connection as well!
I so hope you are able to get to the bottom of the barbering. My Ekko, the ekkie, has barbered ever since we got him, and have never been able to get him to completely stop.

That's great!! It's awesome to be able to have someone so knowledgeable and experienced and be able to do such a thorough exam. Glad RB checked out okay (besides the chewing, but it could be worse)!

Mr. Boat... it's the primzaries furthest in, not outer... Dr. L. said to cover all the usual bases... more baths, lots of toys/activities.... look with fresh eyes at the environment/stressors. He also fussed at me for not weighing the Rb... said to do igt weekly at his age. But then he alarmed... I mean comforted me with the projection that he mivght easily live to 50. Told me to get a gym membership and eat my Wheaties.

Scott... I would conside the Rb to be more than high-strung... like the stratosphere. I don't know how long he's been doing it. Next big moult is in July or so. Dr. L. wants to see him then. Yeah, I think both Rb and I kinda sensed... the big guy in the labcoat has GOT this. I noticed he called both of us often by our names in a very even tone while explaining/examining. It was oddly comforting.

Terry... I almost cried a couple of times. I just felt so CARED FOR, ya know? He's amazing.

Going back to see our world-class avian vet tomorrow.
I always imagine that the staff is battening down the hatches in advance, but they assure me that my homicidal conure is no problem, and they really DO manage him well. Still, the Rb really lights the place up!!
The vet doesn't need the business, but... if anybody within a hundred miles of Cleveland needs an avian vet... he is...
Dr. Jamie Lindstrom, Northview Clinic (US 20 at OH 113), 1.440.327.8282.
Tell him the Rickeybird's hen sent you!

Do you have him listed here?
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-health-care/9841-vets-your-area.html

Wow, you make me want to take the 9 hour ride to Cleveland to see this guy. Not that Salty's CAV is not satisfactory, Dr Hoefer is really good with him, and she knows her stuff, but this gent sounds like a true avian specialist. LOL, maybe Rb needs more bells, hmmm?

GaleriaGila said:

Going back to see our world-class avian vet tomorrow.
I always imagine that the staff is battening down the hatches in advance, but they assure me that my homicidal conure is no problem, and they really DO manage him well. Still, the Rb really lights the place up!!
The vet doesn't need the business, but... if anybody within a hundred miles of Cleveland needs an avian vet... he is...
Dr. Jamie Lindstrom, Northview Clinic (US 20 at OH 113), 1.440.327.8282.
Tell him the Rickeybird's hen sent you!

Click to expand...

Will be checking my phone and TV for breaking news of a homicidal parrot doing the unthinkable!

I'm the only one that chews my conures wings, then he is like...uhm what are you doing?.....And I'm like;...um nothing. He finally molted his split tail feather so he's much more handsome now.


I wish I had the same doctor relationship, maybe in time.

speaking of homicidal conures, I was going to wait till april first of next year (april fools day) and put up some grand elaborate scheme but I figure most would figure it out.

Scott said:

GaleriaGila said:

Going back to see our world-class avian vet tomorrow.
I always imagine that the staff is battening down the hatches in advance, but they assure me that my homicidal conure is no problem, and they really DO manage him well. Still, the Rb really lights the place up!!
The vet doesn't need the business, but... if anybody within a hundred miles of Cleveland needs an avian vet... he is...
Dr. Jamie Lindstrom, Northview Clinic (US 20 at OH 113), 1.440.327.8282.
Tell him the Rickeybird's hen sent you!

Click to expand...

Will be checking my phone and TV for breaking news of a homicidal parrot doing the unthinkable!

Click to expand...

Doing what - being kind and sweet, that would be more unthinkable with RB!

Our CAV's staff do not prep for a visit by our DYH Amazon, Julio! Okay, so Julio's chart may say something about four, sometimes six hands are required to hold him! But that's only normal, right!?!?

The only thing I notice is the poor gals at the check-out commonly rotate to the newest member when its time for that guy with the Amazon to check-out! But, they all stand in the door and watch! Lets just say, he saves all his comments for that poor person! All Of His Comments! It somehow makes paying the bill a bit easier.

Love a great CAV! They enjoy the overall experience and are as interested in our Parrots as we are!

FYI: Early October is the next Exotic Animal Convention! So, if you have a mid to late October visit planned, ask what was new!