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Birds + Emergencies

  • In the wild, a bird will try to uphold a strong appearance when sick. By the time a pet bird begins to display symptoms of illness, it has likely been sick for several days to weeks. Many things contribute to ill health. This handout provides bird owners with a list of signs that will alert them that their bird is sick.

  • Seizures are reasonably common in pet birds and should be treated as a medical emergency. Species that are often affected include Amazon parrots, African grey parrots, budgies, canaries, cockatiels, finches, and lovebirds. There are several possible causes of seizures in birds. Diagnostic testing is often required so that your veterinarian can diagnose the problem and determine the necessary treatment plan.

  • Telehealth is a broad term that refers to the use of telecommunications to provide health-related services. Telehealth services can be delivered by a variety of methods including telephone, text messaging, internet chat, and videoconferencing. Telehealth, including teletriage and telemedicine, can supplement in-person care and can provide a safe and practical method of receiving some veterinary care during times of physical or social distancing.

  • Wellness testing, performed routinely on apparently healthy birds, screens for underlying, hidden problems. Veterinarians also use test results in conjunction with physical examination findings and the owner's account of the bird's history to diagnose illnesses. Blood tests include the complete blood count and chemistry profile. Other tests your veterinarian may use to assess your bird's health and diagnose disease are discussed.

Rutherford Veterinary Hospital

305 Chimney Rock Road
Rutherfordton, NC 28139

Phone: 828-286-9335
Fax: 828-286-4769
Email: rutherfordvet@gmail.com

Location Hours
Monday7:30am – 5:30pm
Tuesday7:30am – 5:30pm
Wednesday7:30am – 5:30pm
Thursday7:30am – 5:30pm
Friday7:30am – 5:00pm
Saturday8:30am – 1:00pm
SundayClosed

*Appointments begin at 9:00am*



Online Forms

For your convenience, our patient forms are available online so they can be completed from your home or office.



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