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Feather Fanatic
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Last week, I took Pepper in for his yearly well-bird examination. I was expecting an uneventful examination and a report of a healthy bird. I had not observed any changes in his activity or any signs that might indicate a health problem. After the physical exam the vet said he appeared healthy and seemed to be full of energy. I agreed with the vet’s recommendation for doing a blood test and asked that a fecal test be done.
The next day, I received a call from the vet that Pepper had a slightly elevated white blood cell count and there were higher than expected numbers of gram-negative bacteria and yeast found in his fecal exam.
That evening, following the treatment plan from his vet, Pepper began receiving two doses a day of antibiotics and vinegar added to his drinking water.
In two days, I saw a marked change in Pepper. His activity in general had increased, he became much more active in playing with his toys and he has been vocalizing much more. I am interpreting all of these as signs that Pepper is feeling better.
Next week, Pepper goes for a follow-up exam after being on the treatment plan for two weeks. I am hoping for a clean-bill-of-health this time.
I am writing this post as a reminder to not assume that your bird is healthy. Maintain a routine of having at least a yearly examination to evaluate the health of your bird. Because of the high metabolism of birds, some vets recommend they receive two examinations each year. It’s up to us to provide them with the care needed to keep them as healthy as possible.
Also, if you ever need to provide medication to your bird, be sure to be shown how to do it. I was confident that I knew how to do it and didn’t ask to be shown what to do. I knew what were the safety concerns I needed to be aware of and not to do. Even with that knowledge, I greatly appreciated the quick answers I received from ickybird and ladyhawke50 about the technique I was following. Their support and recommendations made me more confident and helped make this a quick, safe and low-stress routine for Pepper.
I wish all of you will only receive healthy evaluations after having your birds examined. 
http://www.senegalparrot.net
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Feather Fanatic
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Good reminder, Fergie and the gang go in on the 27th for their checkups.
With Fergie I try to go twice a year, because of her weaker immune system. Good reminder.
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Fully Fledged
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| Glad you took Pepper in and glad he is feeling better. Hope all is well with him. staffordmom
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Feather Fanatic
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| Whoa! Good thing you took him in. Glad to hear he is feeling better. They do such a great job of hiding illness don't they.
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Big Talker
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Glad Pepper is feeling better. And yes, you are correct, owners are usually unaware of their birds problems until it's too late.
Bea & Birds
beatriz@newyorkbirds.net
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Feather Fanatic
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I know of few companion birds that have a more attentive person than Pepper. But illness can creep in so slowly and insidiously that even the most diligent human companion is apt to miss it. The yearly exam is not a luxury. It is a must.
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Feather Fanatic
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Just Hatched
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| hey guys I'm new here. Just wondering how much do the vet exams go for, like regular wellness, dna testing, poop checking, etc.. Parents got a tiel and I've been reading up a lot. I've also been looking for cages even used but I can't find any good deals..
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Feather Fanatic
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Feather Fanatic
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Around my parts about $150, and I consider myself very fortunate paying that. I paid much higher in Fla. I just make a bird budget and try to stick to it for emergencies, toys and well checks, and cages. It looks like I will be needing a larger cage for Max if I ever get him unstuck from his current one. 
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