We have just bought a 10 week old, hand fed, lutino (our first
pet) and were wondering about a check up with a vet. Although we have done
some reading about cockatiels and do not suspect any diseases, we were
wondering what might be gained by a visit to the vet. I phoned a local
avian vet's office. The secretary told me a first appointment usually lasts
15 minutes, involves taking blood and stool samples, and costs about $100.
I asked whether the tests include those for Psittacosis but the secretary
said she did not know what tests were done. Would you please tell me what
we should expect of a first visit to the vet including the tests done?
Bunny's Owner
We can only relay to you what we would expect from a vet during an initial visit. A good physical exam would include weighing the bird, checking the condition of the beak and toe nails, and examining the overall feather condition, the vent area, the nasal and ear areas as well as looking for those bright twinkling eyes.
The taking of blood and stool samples should provide you with tests for psittacosis, candida, giardia and gram stains.
What you receive from your vet may not include all these, but I believe I'd insist on talking to the vet, not the secretary.