Birds are notorious for hiding signs of illness until they are gravely ill. This unique adaptation has evolved as a protective mechanism for birds in the wild. A sick bird is easily singled out by predators. Groups of birds can also recognize illness and drive out sick birds to lessen the flocks predator risk. Unfortunately in captivity this masking of illness only hampers our ability to recognize and treat illness before it becomes life threatening. Annual physical exams and astute observation of subtle changes in behavior by you, can help uncover these hidden illnesses. Is that, however, all we can do? To better guarantee the health of your bird, Kansas City Veterinary Care recommends the following diagnostic tests annually, as well as for post purchase exams.

Stool Evaluation

• Fecal flotation/ direct smear Testing for internal intestinal parasites, including worms and protozoa.
• Fecal/ Choanal Gram stain Testing for abnormal bacterial flora and yeast. This screening can give a clue to early disease processes and the need for medication or more specific testing.

Blood Evaluation

• CBC / Serum chemistry Looking at the type of blood cells present as well as chemical indicators of disease. Infection, anemia, liver function, and kidney function are among a few of the things that can be evaluated.
• Protein electrophoresis Evaluating the type of protein present in the blood can give clues as to causes of liver, kidney and respiratory diseases (i.e. chlamydia, aspergillosis, etc.).

The total charge for this complete health evaluation is 25% savings off the total cost of individual tests and physical exam. Other tests, which are not included, may be recommended pending lab results or concerns at the physical exam (radiographs, cultures, cytology, viral isolation, etc.).

Many times a sick bird will present to us at Kansas City Veterinary Care like a healthy individual. By doing these annual diagnostics in addition to the physical exam, we can more accurately evaluate your birds total health. The sooner that hidden disease is uncovered, the better your pets chances are for a full recovery.