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Avian veterinarian surgical specialist?

Clueless

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Is there such a thing?

Do you know?

Years ago I saw a post of a picture of a blood pressure reading on an Amazon at Dr. O's.
 

Milo

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There are absolutely surgical specialists for our ZCA (zoological companion animal) species! You can see both docs who have boarded through ABVP in avian medicine, or for AAZV (zoo vets but they are absolutely qualified). Usually they're in specialty hospitals but some are in private practice. If looking for a specialist, you should look for extra letters beyond DVM behind their name. There are a good deal of people that label themselves as specialists but without that extra boarding there's no way to verify that they actually have done the legwork to become so.

I work in a teaching hospital with all boarded vets (1 ABVP (avian) and 3 AAZV vets (one of whom specializes in ZCA species). I'm happy to help you try and locate someone near you or to answer any questions you have.
 

Clueless

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I just wonder how we find vets that do the surgeries that are more challenging?

In humans, we have avenues to follow and we get recommendations from other doctors.

How do we do this with our animals?

How do we find the state of the art medical facility?
 

Milo

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I just wonder how we find vets that do the surgeries that are more challenging?

In humans, we have avenues to follow and we get recommendations from other doctors.

How do we do this with our animals?

How do we find the state of the art medical facility?

Look for more letters behind their name and ask questions. Generally these vets are at specialty/teaching institutions. General practice veterinarians are also usually familiar with who they refer difficult cases to. If your vet doesn't have a recommendation for a specialty practice or referral hospital my next step would be to call the closest veterinary hospital. If you're too far from them they usually will have someone to refer you to, the ZooMed community is a small one and they all know each other.
 

Hawk12237

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I just wonder how we find vets that do the surgeries that are more challenging?

In humans, we have avenues to follow and we get recommendations from other doctors.

How do we do this with our animals?

How do we find the state of the art medical facility?
Yes they do. There are fewer than 100 residency-trained avian specialists in the world. My wife went to Royal Veterinary College, University of London England.
She was certified to do surgeries. Here in America she basically assisted, as licensing is a bit different here.
She could do basic, but not specialized here.
When specialized, or specialist is required, your referred to a specialist for that animal that is more knowledgeable in the surgery needed and have the specialized up to date equipment to do the surgery. So yes recommendations are made and given if needed.
 

enigma731

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There are also vets that specialize in surgery for all species, and might do an operation in consultation with an avian vet of lesser surgical expertise. For example, I take Audrey my blind 'tiel to a specialist in veterinary ophthalmology. Should he ever need his eyes operated on, she will do it, with my avian vet consulting to provide anesthesia monitoring etc.
 

Hawk12237

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There are also vets that specialize in surgery for all species, and might do an operation in consultation with an avian vet of lesser surgical expertise. For example, I take Audrey my blind 'tiel to a specialist in veterinary ophthalmology. Should he ever need his eyes operated on, she will do it, with my avian vet consulting to provide anesthesia monitoring etc.
Exactly!...what my wife told me too. :yes3:
 

Rain Bow

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I believe Mary has dealt w/ a few specialists over the years. I'm not sure if she found them herself or if her vet recommended.

@Hankmacaw
 

Hankmacaw

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Years ago I saw a post of a picture of a blood pressure reading on an Amazon at Dr. O's.
Dr. Driggers takes a blood pressure on Jasper twice a year. She has cardiovascular disease and a few years ago he discovered that her blood pressure had gone up to 134 (normal 150). He immediately changed her cardio/vascular medication, which brought her BP under control.

Secret could probably stand a BP test.
 

Danita

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Is there such a thing?

Do you know?

Years ago I saw a post of a picture of a blood pressure reading on an Amazon at Dr. O's.
I would go to a University hospital. The one that @jmfleish goes to is really good.
 
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