Avian Medicine
Dr. Deirdre M. Hensen, member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians
Specializing in Avian Veterinary Medicine on Long Island
Avian medicine is a distinct and very specialized field that requires extensive training, advanced skills, and facilities specifically designed and equipped to treat and hospitalize birds.
Why do I need an avian vet?
Pet birds need regular medical care just like dogs, cats, and people do. Unlike dogs and cats, however, birds tend to hide signs of illness until they're very sick. This makes the need for routine preventative veterinary care especially important for pet birds.
Many species of pet birds have a long lifespan and people who have a companion bird expect a long-term, rewarding relationship. Unfortunately, health problems in birds can be difficult to identify. An avian veterinarian, monitoring your bird’s health, plays a vital role in this goal. Annual visits allow your veterinarian to establish normal values that can be used as a baseline, and screen for problems that cannot be seen.
An annual health check with an experienced avian veterinarian is essential for the prevention and early detection of illness. The Association of Avian Veterinarians recommends regular checkups for birds to ensure they live a full, healthy life. By bringing your bird to the vet when they're healthy, it enables us to establish a baseline so that when a problem does arise, we can more quickly identify the cause.
What does a physical examination for a bird entail?
During Dr. Dee's physical examination, your bird will be weighed using a digital scale and then be carefully examined from beak to toe. Dr. Dee will evaluate your bird’s eyes, ears, nares (nostrils), beak, oral cavity, choana (slit on the roof of the mouth), neck, crop, pectoral muscles, wings, plumage, belly, vent, legs, feet, spine, and preen gland (if present). The heart, lungs, and air sacs will be assessed with a stethoscope. If a band number or microchip is present, it will be recorded in the medical record.
Depending on the circumstances of your visit, bloodwork or other lab tests may be recommended.
Chickens
You may be wondering, "Should I bring my chicken to the vet?"
The answer is Yes! The number of families raising chicken on Long Island has greatly increased in recent years. At Paumanok, we see chickens every week!
As with all pets, you shouldn't hesitate to bring your chicken in when there's a problem. If you see injuries, lethargy, drooping wings, diarrhea, or other symptoms, you should make an appointment immediately. Disease can spread rapidly through your flock and quick action can prevent a much larger problem.
Ducks
Ducks have been domesticated for thousands of years and are popular pets all over the world. In addition to their use in the farming industry, ducks have risen in popularity as pets due to their friendly nature toward people and their charming antics.
Backyard ducks are outgoing and social birds that can make great additions to families dedicated to providing the special care required. The average duck lifespan is 8-12 years!
Ducks should be seen by a veterinarian soon after purchasing to make sure they are healthy and should receive yearly check-ups like dogs and cats. They can be prone to foot, respiratory, and intestinal issues, so always monitor for changes in movement, appetite, or behavior.
Call us to make an appointment if your duck exhibits any of the following symptoms: Limping • Swollen or reddened feet • Decreased appetite • Lethargy • Tail bobbing up and down when breathing, sneezing, or nasal discharge • Any other changes in appearance or behavior that concerns you
Necropsy
If you suffer a loss, a necropsy (the animal equivalent of an autopsy) can be performed. The necropsy can often explain the cause of death and can help identify infectious organisms like bacteria and viruses that may affect the rest of your animals.