Avian Care

At Oakridge Veterinary Clinic in San Jose, CA, we understand the importance of regular veterinary care for birds to ensure they lead long and healthy lives. Many bird owners may not realize the necessity of initial and annual wellness exams for their feathered friends. These routine visits not only help prevent illness but also provide opportunities to discuss and optimize nutrition, husbandry practices, behavior, and environmental enrichment.

During the initial wellness exam, our avian veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination of your bird. This includes assessing your bird's weight, overall appearance, mobility, and palpating various parts of their body. Additionally, we will listen to your bird's heart and lungs and address any concerns you may have regarding grooming, such as wing, nail, or beak trimming.

Routine grooming is essential for maintaining your bird's health and comfort. While a healthy beak typically does not require trimming, we will evaluate it during the exam to prevent potential problems. If necessary, we can perform a beak trim using a dremmel to ensure proper shape and function. Wing trims can also be scheduled periodically to prevent flight-related accidents, and nail trims are recommended to prevent snagging and breakage.

Based on the exam findings, we may recommend additional diagnostic tests to ensure your bird's health. These tests may include fecal and/or throat swabs, DNA sex determination, or comprehensive blood work to assess for conditions such as anemia, calcium deficiencies, liver and kidney function, and infections.

Determining your bird's sex can be important for behavioral and reproductive considerations. This can be easily determined using a blood sample obtained from a toe nail drop.

At Oakridge Veterinary Clinic, we are dedicated to providing personalized care for your avian companions. If you have any questions or concerns about your bird's health, please don't hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment. Your bird's well-being is our top priority.