I love my vet.  Really, I do.  I’m very lucky to have her here.  She’s a rare find.

Dr Fiskett is one of a limited number of veterinarians world wide specially certified in avian medicine by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.

What does that mean?

According to Birds N Ways:

ABVP Certified Avian Veterinarians

An "avian veterinarian" is someone who is willing to treat birds; any veterinarian can call him/herself an avian veterinarian. A "certified avian veterinarian" is one who has obtained certification from the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) as described below.

The following list, effective July 2004, represents all of the Board-Certified Avian Practice Specialists (American Board of Veterinary Practitioners). As of this date there are 102 certified avian veterinarians worldwide. Certification is given by the ABVP and includes documentation of six years of significant avian practice experience or a formal residency plus scientific papers, plus a rigorous series of examinations.

There are certainly quite a number of competent/excellent avian veterinarians in North America and elsewhere who are not yet certified. Many of these veterinarians belong to the Association of Avian Veterinarians. The Association of Avian Veterinarians is approaching a membership of 3000 worldwide. While a veterinarian who is interested in birds may be a member of the AAV, AAV membership only infers that an individual paid annual dues.

To see if there is a Veterinarian who meets this criteria near you try either of these links:

http://www.birdsnways.com/articles/abvpvets.htm

http://www.abvp.com

That being said, I do feel empathetic for my birds when we go.

My vet takes the little buddy in her hands and plays with them while we are talking about the past year or so.  She weighs them, looks at their stool samples (Yes do make sure you have a clean paper in your carrier for this.)

Then my vet gets down to business.  She opens the wings, looks at the feet, the beak, feather structure, coloring and physical characteristics.  Then, she and my buddy go into the “back room.”  She does this to make sure that the buddy understands who is being “mean” to them when the needle goes in.  It is a necessary evil, but I don’t like it!

All in all, we get “Well Bird Bloodwork”, “Fecal Smear” and a whole host of other tests done annually.  These tests are very important as is the overall visit.  Get to know your vet!  It can save your buddy's life.