A veterinarian that specializes in caring for birds is called an avian veterinarian or avian vet. Avian vets have advanced training and expertise in the unique needs of bird health and medicine.
Who are avian veterinarians?
Avian vets are doctors of veterinary medicine who pursue additional education and certification to specialize in bird health. After earning their DVM degree, avian vets complete a 1-3 year residency program in avian medicine and surgery. They also typically become board-certified by passing a thorough examination in the specialty.
There are only around 100-150 board-certified avian specialists in the United States. So avian vets are highly-skilled experts in their field of focus. An avian vet has a strong working knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, nutrition, diseases, anesthesia, surgery, and clinical care of birds from pet birds to exotic avian species. Their in-depth training equips them to provide complete medical services tailored to birds.
Why see an avian vet?
Birds have unique physical traits, behaviors, nutritional requirements, and health needs compared to other companion animals. Avian vets have the specialized expertise to properly:
- Diagnose and treat sick or injured birds
- Perform surgery and dentistry on birds
- Prescribe proper medications and dosages for birds
- Advise on habitat, wing clipping, grooming, nail trimming, etc.
- Give guidance on avian nutrition and dietary needs
- Evaluate bird reproductive health and assist with breeding
- Conduct wellness exams and preventative care for birds
Bird owners should seek routine and urgent care from an expert avian vet to ensure their bird receives appropriate medical services. Avian vets have the right skills and resources to properly care for domesticated, wild, breeding, or exotic birds throughout their lives.
Differences from a general vet
A general veterinarian has broad medical training for dogs, cats, livestock, and other common animals. But birds have unique biological features and care needs that require specialized expertise:
- Small body size of many bird species
- Light, hollow bones prone to fractures
- Delicate respiratory system adapted for flight
- Higher normal body temperature around 104-106°F
- Specialized avian-only infectious diseases
- Omnivorous or herbivorous diet in many species
- Reproductive cycles linked to seasons/light exposure
- Distinct bird psychology and handling techniques
- Varied anatomy of beaks, wings, tails, and feet
- Wide diversity of species from finches to parrots
The anatomical, physiological, nutritional, and health differences of birds compared to traditional pets mean they require veterinary services specially tailored to their needs. Avian vets have meticulous training in providing medical care adapted for bird biology and behavior.
Services provided by avian vets
Avian veterinarians can provide a full range of medical services for birds, including:
- Wellness exams & preventive care: Annual checkups, lab tests, vaccinations, wing/nail trims, etc.
- Diagnostics: Physical exams, radiography, ultrasounds, blood tests, cultures, biopsies.
- Disease treatment: Prescribe medications, fluid therapy, feeding tubes, injections.
- Surgery: Mass removal, abscess/wound repair, bone repair, egg binding surgery.
- Dentistry: Beak reshaping/filing, tooth extractions.
- Reproductive health: Egg checks, breeding assistance, neonatal care.
- Anesthesia & pain management: Administer anesthesia, monitor vitals, manage pain.
- Emergency & critical care: Treat traumatic injuries, stabilize critical patients.
- Specialist referrals: Refer to avian specialists for advanced care.
- End-of-life care/euthanasia: Humane hospice care and euthanasia when needed.
Avian vets can provide complete medical and surgical services tailored specifically for the anatomy and physiology of their bird patients.
When to see an avian vet
Some examples of health situations when birds need to visit an avian vet include:
- New bird – Initial wellness exam & preventative care
- Annual checkup – Physical exam, diagnostic tests, vaccines
- Illness – Not eating, lethargy, weight loss, labored breathing, etc.
- Injury – Broken wing/leg, bite wound, flyaway recovery
- Surgery – Mass/tumor removal, repairing damage, egg binding
- Dental issues – Overgrown beak, malocclusion, lost teeth
- Reproduction – Egg checks, breeding difficulties, neonatal care
- Behavior issues – Screaming, biting, feather damaging
- Emergency – Severe injuries, toxin ingestion, critical illness
- Pre-purchase exam – Vet check for a newly acquired bird
- Geriatric care – Extra exams/testing for senior birds
Bird owners should establish care with an avian vet and bring their birds into the clinic at the first sign of illness or injury. Prompt avian veterinary care can help resolve many bird health issues before they become critical.
Avian vet training and certification
All avian vets begin by earning a 4-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or VMD degree. After this:
- They complete a 1-3 year residency program in avian health under an experienced mentor.
- They undergo hundreds of hours of clinical training focused on birds.
- They must pass a comprehensive board certification exam in avian practice.
- They fulfill continuing education hours to stay current in the field.
- They may pursue additional credentials like Master’s degrees.
It takes 6-10 years of intensive education and clinical training after veterinary school to become an accredited avian specialist. Only avian vets who have met rigorous credentialing standards are board-certified as experts.
Advantages of avian-only clinics
Many avian vets choose to open specialized bird-only practices. There are several advantages to clinics that exclusively treat avian patients:
- Specialized equipment sized for birds – Small exam tables, tiny IV catheters, anesthesia machines for birds, hospital cages, etc.
- Staff experienced in handling a variety of bird species.
- Extensive formulary of avian medications and formulas.
- Diagnostic tools like in-house blood testing, endoscopy, and pathology.
- Oxygen cages, incubators, and intensive nursing care for critical patients.
- Isolation facilities to prevent infectious disease spread.
- Better control of contamination from fur/dander or chemicals toxic to birds.
- Environment tailored to low noise levels and limited foot traffic.
Clinics catering exclusively to birds can provide an optimal medical facility customized for avian-specific equipment, staff expertise, diagnostics, and patient needs.
Finding an avian veterinarian
Here are some tips for finding a qualified avian vet in your area:
- Search online directories like the Association of Avian Veterinarians.
- Ask for referrals from local bird clubs, zoos, wildlife rehabilitators or rescue groups.
- Search for veterinarians accredited by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.
- Look for clinics advertising avian or exotic services.
- Interview vets about their avian training, credentials, and experience.
- Tour facilities to check for avian-specific equipment and isolation capabilities.
- Ask lots of questions – an avian vet should welcome inquiries about expertise.
Finding the right avian vet takes research – ask questions and evaluate their specialized qualifications for bird medicine.
The cost of avian vets
Visits to avian vets often cost more than general veterinary care due to the specialized expertise and services provided. Some typical avian vet fees include:
Service | Typical cost |
---|---|
Office visit/consultation | $75 – $250 |
Routine wellness exam | $100 – $300 |
Diagnostic tests | $100 – $500+ |
Medications | $20 – $200 |
Beak/nail trim | $15 – $50 |
Hospitalization | $100 – $200 per night |
Surgery | $300 – $2500+ |
Emergency care | $200 – $1000+ |
Costs vary based on the specific services needed and location. Pet health insurance can help cover avian vet bills. But the specialized expertise of an avian vet is worthwhile to ensure appropriate medical care for birds.
Conclusion
Avian veterinarians are doctors of veterinary medicine who pursue advanced training dedicated exclusively to the care of bird species. With expertise tailored for the unique biology and health needs of birds, avian vets can provide specialized medical services ranging from preventive care to critical treatment. Bird owners should seek out a properly credentialed and experienced avian vet to ensure their feathered companions get the highest quality veterinary medicine.