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MAX

Posted by DIANE on 8/4/2025, 8:19 am

Max is not looking well. I contacted a vet that goes to homes. She will not do blood work but does fecal testing along with a checkup. Is it a complete waste not to get blood work done.

Re: MAX

Posted by Cindy AZ on 8/4/2025, 9:09 am, in reply to "MAX"

Oh no, I hope he’ll be ok!

Agree that blood tests are called for. I hope you can get him somewhere for that.

Re: MAX

Posted by Diane on 8/4/2025, 10:25 am, in reply to "Re: MAX"

I can't believe this. No avian vets around here. I have to go to NYC again.

Re: MAX

Posted by Seesthru, TC advisor on 8/4/2025, 10:37 am, in reply to "Re: MAX"

Is the vet coming out today? Fecal testing, if she had the kit, will at least rule things in or out. I am praying that Max gets better, or at least that the home visit vet finds out what is wrong, so you don't have to go to New York. But if you do have to go, I hope they find out fast what's up and get Max on the mend

Re: MAX

Posted by Diane on 8/4/2025, 11:40 am, in reply to "Re: MAX"

I feel so depressed. I'll see when she gets out here. I can never reach anyone by phone anymore. The other so called exotic vets out here got such bad reviews.

Re: MAX

Posted by Seesthru, TC advisor on 8/4/2025, 2:52 pm, in reply to "Re: MAX"

It's so hard to find vets for our little ones these days. My old vet was so experienced, she could make me feel confident about her diagnoses and she was always right. She always started with the fecal test, because it was easier, and they did it in the office right away, so I always had answers and didn't have to guess what to do. I hate that she retired.

Re: MAX

Posted by Cathy on 8/4/2025, 3:41 pm, in reply to "Re: MAX"

Diane, in all the years that I had birds I don't think any had blood work done more than a couple of times. They usually had an infection that showed up in the fecal gram stain and were prescribed antibiotics.

I hope Max is feeling better. Exotic vets are dwindling, it seems, in the last few years. That was another reason that I didn't get another bird after Shiloh.

Cathy

Re: MAX

Posted by Diane on 8/4/2025, 6:26 pm, in reply to "Re: MAX"

Some doctors just have it. When I first went to AMC over 20 years ago, my Pedro was looking terrible. The test came out negative for psticosis but the doctor said that he thought the had it because of his liver enzymes (or something like that). He gave me the proper medication and he gave me enough to give my other birds (I had 6 cockatiels at that time) because he worked with me with regards to money and ability to cure the birds

It worked and all my birds were fine. Vets don't d that now.

Re: MAX

Posted by Seesthru, TC advisor on 8/4/2025, 7:39 pm, in reply to "Re: MAX"

They don't. My old vet was the owner of the business, no corporate nonsense. She also kept up with her education, did seminars and all kinds of stuff each year, to learn the latest on avian medicine. But the prices were reasonable, not like now.

Re: MAX

Posted by Seesthru, TC advisor on 8/4/2025, 10:33 am, in reply to "MAX"

Blood work is hard on a sick bird. Fecal testing can tell if it is a bacterial infection, nd lots of things. It's a good idea to get that done.

Re: MAX

Posted by Diane on 8/4/2025, 11:51 am, in reply to "Re: MAX"

Can they prescribe antibiotics with a fecal test alone.

Re: MAX

Posted by Seesthru, TC advisor on 8/4/2025, 2:49 pm, in reply to "Re: MAX"

Yes. If there is too much of the wrong bacteria in the poop, they can prescribe antibiotics. Some birds, like budgies, are so small that vets don't want to draw blood, so they do a gram stain test to check for bacteria and for yeast infections.

Blood tests can check for specific diseases like psittacosis or check the white blood cell count, lots of other things. It's probably a better test. Go with your gut on which to decide on. If you think he needs the blood work, and you can get him there fast, do that. If it's going to take a while, and the home visit is fast, do that for now.

Re: MAX

Posted by Diane on 8/4/2025, 6:39 pm, in reply to "Re: MAX"

The doctor is coming on Wednesday afternoon. Max looks better and he is eating. He is also preening himself. I like this idea with the home vet. She sounds like she knows what she's doing. I need someone that will work with my circumstances. I can't go back and forth to Manhattan by taxi, Plus Im not doing the emergency route any more. Also I want the method with the least amount of stress for Max. I was so depressed the whole day. I had shared my home with birds for over 50 years. Just being bridles really depresses me.

Re: MAX

Posted by Seesthru, TC advisor on 8/4/2025, 7:38 pm, in reply to "Re: MAX"

Sending hugs your way. I know it's so depressing, so rough. I hope this vet works out for you. I like the idea of her coming out. I wish I had one like that here. I hope she finds out what's up with Max.

Re: MAX

Posted by Cecilia on 8/4/2025, 7:34 pm, in reply to "MAX"

No, it is not a waste to not get blood work done. Like Cathy, only a couple of my tiels have had blood work done in the 30 years I have had them. Sending good thoughts for you and Max. I hope he will be OK

Re: MAX

Posted by Seesthru, TC advisor on 8/4/2025, 7:40 pm, in reply to "Re: MAX"

I only really remember 1 time mine had bloodwork. Some vets prefer it first, some don't.

Re: MAX

Posted by Cathy on 8/5/2025, 4:10 pm, in reply to "Re: MAX"

I'm glad that she's coming out and that you found her. Prayers for you and Max.

Cathy

Re: MAX

Posted by Diane on 8/5/2025, 5:07 pm, in reply to "Re: MAX"

It's weird. Sometimes he looks sick and sometimes he looks fine.

Re: MAX

Posted by Seesthru, TC advisor on 8/5/2025, 5:31 pm, in reply to "Re: MAX"

He definitely can use a looksee from the vet.

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