Land of The Littles: A Small Bird's First Vet Visit

The Veterinarian will start by observing Patty or Pete in the travel cage/carrier, watching behavior, stance, and motion. Much of this is to judge neurological health in that there are no strange or uncontrolled movements indicating a problem. It also serves to note any difficulties with perching or mobility that may reveal a past or present injury.
Out of the cage, your bird will be weighed, and dietary changes or additions may be discussed at this time.

The physical examination starts with the head region.
The eyes are checked for:

Discharge
Abnormal swellings or Growths
Redness
Visual problems
Pupil response

The nares, (or nostrils), are examined for:

Unusual swelling
Blockage
Discharge.

The beak will be opened to note any redness, growths or lesions, overall coloration, the opening and closing of the glottis, (airway), and any discharge, swelling or discoloration of the choana, (slit located on the roof of the mouth). Upper respiratory, sinus, yeast, and certain parasitic infections may be indicated during this process, as well as vitamin deficiencies, (particularly vitamin A), dehydration, or anemia.

The beak will be examined for proper alignment and wear patterns, as well as any chips or cracks that may pose a problem. Beak "overgrowth" is often an indicator of illness, malnutrition, or an unsuitable cage environment for proper beak maintenance.

The jaw, neck, and crop areas will be "palpated", (felt), for any abnormal lumps or swellings.

The keel, (breast bone), and surrounding muscle tissue will be felt as another indicator of weight and proper body mass. At this point, it is a good idea to ask the vet to show you, and allow you to feel, what a normal keel bone and breast muscle should look and feel like. This is a significant way to judge loss of weight or anorexia, as well as malabsorption, (inability to process food/nutrients properly), and may be the only sign of illness.

Your vet may also listen to the heartbeat and respiration rate with a small stethoscope. Part of a bird's respiratory system includes air sacs located throughout the body. A punctured air sac, fluid in the air sac, or parasitic infestation, (air sac mites), can all effect breathing ability.

Palpation of the body and abdominal cavity will indicate any obvious inflammation of internal organs, unusual lumps, or fluid buildup. The pelvic region will also be palpated for normal structure and alignment, and the vent, (or cloaca), will be checked for cleanliness and unusual growths.

The uropygial or "preen" gland at the base of the tail will also be examined for swelling or redness, and unusual discharge. This small gland helps keep a bird's feathers in top condition, so infection or blockage will result in feather problems.

The bones and joints of each wing, leg and foot will be examined. Old or new injuries can be noted, as well as unusual swellings or pressure sores. This is particularly important with special needs and geriatric birds, and your vet may want to discuss cage alterations after the exam.

Overall skin and feather condition will be checked. Stress bars, unusual feather or shaft color, feather breakage, or a dull appearance of plumage may indicate nutritional deficiencies, viral diseases, or feather picking behavior. Skin dryness, flaking or loss elasticity may be an indicator of dehydration, allergy, or a need for better environmental controls in the home with regard to humidity. Any external parasite problems will be evident during this part of the examination.

Please be aware that the physical examination of a bird should be as quick and thorough as possible. No bird enjoys being restrained, poked or prodded, and this will definitely be a situation of stress. Allow your vet to complete the examination with as few questions or interruptions as possible. Inquiries can always be made after the physical is finished.

Your Veterinarian may suggest a "fecal direct-mount smear" and/or "fecal floatation". Both tests are done with fresh droppings to check for internal parasite or protozoal infestations. A "gram stain" may also be done to test for high levels of bacteria that indicate an on-going infection. A "fecal culture" grows the bacteria out to identify the type and treatment required, (this test result may take a few days to acquire).
Previously, it was standard procedure to retrieve fecal matter directly from the cloaca, (vent), with a cotton swab. However, this is highly inadvisable with a bird the size of a Parrotlet, Budgie or any small bird! Many vets have refuted the "necessity" of this type of collection, as there is extreme risk of internal damage or possible death. All fecal tests can be run from fresh droppings on the cage bottom with no exceptions. If a veterinarian insists on a cloacal swab, it is in your bird's best interest to refuse and, if necessary, leave with your bird. Better yet, ask about your chosen vet's method of fecal collection for testing prior to the appointment. Also note that a "choanal swab" is a different procedure that involves collecting mucus from the slit on the roof of the mouth for bacterial testing. This is a safe and non-invasive procedure.

Bloodwork is another procedure that is routine in some clinics. Veterinarians who recommend this as part of an initial exam are doing so to have a "baseline" reference of what is normal for your bird to compare with in case your bird becomes ill. Other vets feel that drawing blood from a small bird to obtain a "baseline" is not worth the stress and risk involved, and only draw blood for testing when symptoms warrant. It is very important to discuss this with your vet prior to it being done. This decision is between you and your vet. That said, do make sure the vet you are seeing has a large amount of small bird experience, and does blood draws on them routinely. If this is your first encounter with a particular veterinarian, there is nothing wrong with returning at another time to have a baseline done if you wish to have it done.

Communication with your veterinarian is key. Speak up if you are not comfortable with anything that is being requested to be done to your bird, and explain why. At the same time, be willing to listen.
A good Veterinarian will not be put off by questions or inquiries, as he/she knows that taking the time to build a relationship with each client, and each bird, can only benefit everyone involved.

It's important when you get your bird home from the clinic that he or she is allowed to rest for a time, and not be subject to handling until given the chance to de-stress and recuperate from the exam and any diagnostic testing.

Place your bird back in his or her familiar cage, and make sure the cage is in a quiet area. Partially covering the cage, (back and two sides), if you own a cage cover isn't a bad idea...it gives your bird a place to "retreat" to rest, away from any activity.

Provide your bird with some extra warmth for an hour or two...especially in winter months. Turn your thermostat up to increase the ambient temperature, or place a heating pad set on "LOW" near a favorite perch on the OUTSIDE of the cage with a T-towel in between the cage and the heating pad. Secure the heating pad in that higher position with two or three clothspins, and make sure your bird cannot access the cord through the cage bars.

Supplemental heat and rest are particularly important if you bird has had a blood draw. Small birds don't have very much blood to give. They are effected much the same as a person giving blood for transfusion. It will take your bird a bit of time to recuperate fully and replace the volume taken.
Give your bird a few nutritious high energy treats or foods that day as well to boost blood sugar levels.

Allow your bird to decide when he or she is ready to come out and play, and don't force the issue. A first exam and being handled by strangers is a new and frightening experience for small birds. Be patient and don't be dismayed or surprised if your little friend doesn't want to resume normal activity levels or be handled for the rest of the day.

Thanks to Judi L. for the wonderful photo additions of her flock, (and their willingness to pose for the camera!)
Starring:

"Fizz" The Budgie
"Norbert Thomas" English Budgie
Baby "Jet" Parrotlet
"Cinder" The Cocktiel
"Jitterbug" The Lovebird