Wilmington Parrots in Need of Emergency Care

Finding a veterinarian that is experienced and knowledgeable in bird care can be a challenge itself. Finding one that is willing to work on weekends or after hours is down right impossible! When it comes to companion pets, most Wilmington area veterinarians seem to have a narrow definition. While there are currently two animal hospitals that provide care in the area to parrots, there is no after hours emergency care available. This care is reserved for cats and dogs only. Exotics, which parrots are considered, must wait for normal hours.

Unfortunately not all accidents happen on bankers hours, Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. Sure if you notice your pet is looking a little sick or you need the occasional wing or nail clip, you may be able to plan a trip in to the vet during these times, but for emergencies, planning is typically not an option. Even the most experienced parrot owner equipped with a specialized first aid kit will find times that they need professional to help care for their parrots. If its after hours, the closest one available may be two hours away in Raleigh. Those two hours could be the difference between life and death for the parrot.

Birds rarely show signs of being sick until they are very ill. In the wild this helps them since the flock will ostracize those it sees as weak or ill. Also predators see a sick bird as an easy meal. Its a survival technique. While it may work in the wild, it certainly doesn't help bird owners catch infections or other illnesses early.

Another factor to consider is that many common household items can be harmful to birds. Who hasn't witnessed the horror of a bird flying into a window? No imagine if that bird was a member of your family. You would want to get help FAST! Simple things like toilets left with the seat up, mirrors or windows that aren't covered and thus look open can be fatal. Candles, incense and nonstick cookware can be damaging to the parrots sensitive lungs. Many common house plants can be toxic to a parrot who may view them as a salad bowl ready for their destruction the minute you leave them unattended!

Some signs to watch for in birds are (found at www.petuniversity.com):

• change in behavior or attitude
• change in color, odor, or consistency of droppings
• change in quantity or quality of feathers (possibly as the result of self-mutilation)
• dirt or debris around the face or feathers
• discharge from the eyes, nose, or vent
• fluffiness (if the feathers are fluffy, the bird is trying to keep heat close to the skin and is having trouble regulating his temperature)
• lameness (inability to walk or hold up the head)
• loss of appetite
• panting or otherwise labored breathing
• sleeping too much

If any of these signs are shown, its time to contact your avian vet. That is IF you can reach them.

Many parrot owners also own other pets that can be a danger to the parrot. Dogs and cats can seem like best buddies for the bird, but this could change at any moment if playing gets out of hand or natural instincts take over. Its best to observe the parrot at all times while is it out of the cage and to keep other animals separated from the parrot. Sure some can be trusted around the parrot, but never unwatched. Cats and dogs carry a bacteria in their saliva that can be toxic to parrots. If a parrot is bitten then this can cause the bird to go into shock. It would need IMMEDIATE care from a qualified, knowledgeable veterinarian to avoid death.

In a growing community such as Wilmington, there is a real need for all hours care that is available for all animals. The amount of money spent on pets is consistently growing, even in this depressed economy. The pet care industry saw a growth of nearly 5% in 2008, a year where many industries struggle to stay in business. The availability of new services and products around the world is increasing from organic toys & food, to pet spas and funerals. Pet insurance purchases have risen over the past year. Clearly we care for our pets. This doesn't just mean the four legged, furry ones. Parrot owners value their pets just as much as the owners of cats and dogs, more so than some. Parrots are not accessories, they are family members. Members who need cared for when an emergency arises.

There is a real need for the specialized care in this area. Pet stores are not equipped to deal with sick birds and most employees are not very knowledgeable about birds. According to a report published by Pet Age magazine, 92% of bird owners take sick birds to pet stores for care! The same study, talked about by Liz Wilson in her article "Why Your Bird Needs an Avian Veterinarian, How to Find One, and How to Tell if you REALLY Have One...", found that only around 8% of bird owners take their animals to an avian vet compared to 60% of dogs owners and 68% of cat owners!

Perhaps it is not because the owners care any less for their parrots, but that there is a lack of available care. Even well intentioned veterinarians may not be qualified to see parrots. Typically vets are required to learn about the most popular of domesticated pets, such as farm animals, dogs, cats, etc.). Parrots are considered exotic pets, as are snakes, ferrets, etc., and therefore are not required knowledge to graduate from most veterinarian programs. I can understand why someone who doesn't know that much about parrots would not want to provide care. I would never go to an podiatrist (foot doctor) for an eye infection. What I don't understand is why there is a lack of knowledge with such popular pets. It seems that more veterinarians would opt to care for parrots as well as cats, dogs & other small popular pets. It certainly appears to be a lucrative business move. Parrot owners spend a great deal of money on cages, food & the endless supply of toys needed to keep them occupied and in good shape. Its not like they are not willing to pay for caring for these loving pets.

So why is there such a shortage of avian veterinarians in the Wilmington, North Carolina area? The city is growing. With the addition in Spring 2009 of the Wilmington NC Bird Club, parrot owners are uniting and finding out that there are many services that are needed. This area has a need for more care at all hours, for pets of all types including parrots. There is a need for acceptance of parrot as part of our family. They should have all the rights to care as fellow family members, like dogs and cats. I am extremely grateful for the care that is available, but make a plea that additional hours are made available.

Sources:

http://www.petconnection.com/articles.php?action=detail&id=4644 (quote on percentage increase in industry)

http://www.practical-pet-care.com/archive.php?2005092416494660 (more information on toxicity of dog/cat saliva to birds)

http://www3.upatsix.com/liz/articles/avianvets.html - "Why Your Bird Needs an Avian Veterinarian, How to Find One, and How to Tell if you REALLY Have One..." by Liz Wilson

http://www.petuniversity.com/birds/parrots-and-parakeets/health-parrots.htm (signs of illness)

http://www.wilmingtonncbirdclub.com/ (Wilmington NC Bird Club)