Rosie has been clingier than normal, hasn't had any interest in food lately and when I hold her I can hear her breathe. Not congested breathing, just regular breathing. But in our almost 6 years together I rarely hear her breathing. So I thought it would be a good idea to bring her to the vet.
We haven't been to the vet in about 2 1/2 years because she gets so stressed and worked up while we are there. To say she doesn't handle being toweled well is a major understatement. She hates anything touching her that is fabric unless she is in control. So we have been putting off our well visit. Sadly, our vet, who I LOVED has retired recently.
The office brought in a new exotics vet and assured me that he was comfortable with macaws. A huge relief since we have had issues with a vet being terrified of Rosie in the past.
I have to say, I really like the vet. He was young, but very thorough and spent a lot of time with us. Rosie has a reputation I guess b/c there was a tech and another vet in the room with us as well. It was noted in her chart that she was too freaked out last time to do a thorough exam. My poor girl.
So here was the interesting thing. They asked if they could give her a mild sedative, as studies have proven that it is safer for a very uptight bird to take medication then freak out for the whole visit. I had never heard that before. Once they assured me it was safe for Rosie, we tried it. It was very tough to start bc they had to towel her to give her the medication and she lost it. She ended up flapping around the room until she was in a corner with the towel, crying. Ugh.
Once they gave her the medication, she calmed down and was half asleep quickly. The vets did all the tests they needed with no issues. They are testing her for the routine stuff plus bornavirus to be safe. (Her lack of appetite, a head tick she has and some missing/dull choana is worrying them) I also have to switch her food and start giving her vitamin a, as she seems to be deficient.
But then she had a tough time waking up. They had to give her a shot to reverse the drug, twice. She just couldn't really wake up. Plus, she kept crying, it was so sad. It took quite a while for her to get back to normal. It's been 7 hours and she is just now starting to act like herself.
I was wondering if anyone has ever used a sedative at the vets office for their parrot? They were saying the medication they gave her might have been a bit strong and maybe next time I should give her valium when I am in the waiting room. Has anyone ever done this?
I liked that she wasn't screaming and on the verge of having a stroke or heart attack during the visit. (I am not kidding, I am generally concerned one or the other may happen at the vets office, it is that bad) But I'm not sure that I like the recovery time. I was hoping to get input from others for the future.