The Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic at Ashleigh Veterinary Centre is dedicated to providing exceptional veterinary care for exotic animals, with a strong emphasis on avian species. Located in Chorlton, this clinic has been at the forefront of exotic pet care for over 30 years. As part of the well-established Ashleigh Veterinary Centre, it combines over six decades of general veterinary expertise with specialised knowledge in treating birds and other exotic animals. With the latest technology and compassionate care, the clinic has built a reputation as a trusted provider of avian healthcare.

About the Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic

At the Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic, the team provides comprehensive medical services to a wide variety of exotic pets, with a particular focus on birds. This includes not only routine health checks but also diagnostics, emergency care, surgical services, and behavioural support. The clinic is equipped with advanced medical tools and cutting-edge technology to ensure that every bird receives the highest standard of care. The clinic's holistic approach addresses both the physical and emotional needs of birds, recognising the critical importance of mental stimulation and behavioural health for avian species.

Expert Team for Avian Care

The clinic is led by an experienced team of specialist veterinary surgeons who focus on exotic animal care. They are trained to understand the unique medical and behavioural needs of avian species, particularly parrots. Parrot care requires specialised knowledge, as these birds are often more sensitive to changes in their environment, diet, and health. The team at the clinic is well-versed in diagnosing and treating a range of conditions specific to birds, including nutritional deficiencies, respiratory problems, and issues related to long-term stress or behavioural challenges.

Comprehensive Diagnostic Services for Avian Patients

A major part of avian care is identifying health issues early, and the clinic offers advanced diagnostic services for parrots and other exotic birds. General Health Examinations

• Diagnostic Services (radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, in-house lab testing)
• Preventative Health Care (annual check-ups, vaccinations, parasite screening)
• Surgical Services (routine procedures, complex surgeries, injury care)
• Emergency and Critical Care (trauma, acute illness, post-surgery monitoring)
• Nutritional Counseling (species-specific diet plans, nutritional guidance)
• Feather Plucking Treatment (diagnosis and treatment for underlying causes)
• Behavioural Consultations (aggression, anxiety, destructive behaviour management)
• Training Programs (positive reinforcement, behaviour modification)
• Respiratory and Digestive Care (treatment for infections digestive issues)
• Reproductive Health (egg binding, reproductive tract care)
• Emergency Surgery (trauma care, urgent surgical interventions)
• Behavioural Enrichment (toys, foraging, environment modification for mental stimulation)

Laboratory Testing

The Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic also provides in-house laboratory testing, which allows for quick and accurate blood work, faecal testing, and microbiological cultures. These tests help identify issues like infections, parasites, or liver dysfunction, which are common among parrots. Early diagnosis ensures that treatment can begin promptly, improving the chances of a full recovery.

Preventative Health Care for Parrots

Preventative care is crucial for the long-term health and well-being of parrots. Annual health checks are recommended to ensure that parrots are free from disease, parasites, and any other health problems. During these check-ups, the Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic team examines the bird's overall physical condition, including checking the feathers, skin, eyes, beak, and nails, as well as reviewing the bird's diet and environment.

Vaccinations and Parasite Control

Vaccinations for certain avian species are also available. Vaccines can prevent serious diseases such as Psittacosis (a bacterial infection) and Polyomavirus, which can cause fatal conditions in young parrots. In addition to vaccinations, parasite control is a key part of preventative care. Parrots are prone to internal parasites, such as coccidia and giardia, which can cause digestive issues. The clinic provides diagnostic screening and treatment to eliminate these parasites and protect the bird's overall health.

Surgical Services for Parrots

Surgical interventions may be necessary for various conditions, from minor beak or nail trims to more complex procedures. Parrots often require surgery for issues like tumours, digestive problems, respiratory blockages, or egg binding. The clinic has the expertise and facilities to perform these surgeries safely, ensuring that each bird receives the necessary care with minimal stress.

Beak and Nail Care

One of the common routine procedures that parrots may need is beak and nail trimming. A parrot's beak and nails grow continually, and overgrown beaks or nails can affect the bird's ability to eat, climb, or maintain balance. The clinic provides these services as part of their overall health maintenance program, helping to keep your parrot comfortable and healthy.

Feather Plucking Treatment

Another issue many parrots face is feather plucking. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, boredom, or nutritional deficiencies. The clinic's team is experienced in treating feather plucking by first determining the underlying cause. They may recommend behavioural changes, environmental enrichment, and sometimes medical treatments to help address the issue and promote healthy feather growth.

Emergency Care and Critical Care for Parrots

Parrots can suffer from sudden illnesses or accidents, and the clinic is fully equipped to provide emergency care when needed. Birds are particularly vulnerable to stress, which can exacerbate medical issues or cause sudden deterioration in their condition. The clinic's critical care units provide intensive monitoring and support, ensuring that birds in urgent need receive prompt medical attention.

Trauma Care

Parrots are active and curious animals, but sometimes, this can lead to accidents. They may fall, collide with objects, or injure themselves during play. The Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic offers trauma care for injuries such as broken wings, beaks, or legs. X-rays, splints, and other treatments are available to support recovery.

Nutritional Counseling for Parrots

Proper nutrition is a cornerstone of parrot care. Parrots are herbivores, and their diet needs to be balanced to ensure they receive all the necessary vitamins and nutrients. Unfortunately, many pet parrots are fed an inadequate diet, leading to conditions like obesity, malnutrition, or liver disease.

At the Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic, owners can receive expert advice on creating a well-balanced diet tailored to their parrot's specific species and health needs. Parrots require a mix of pellets, fresh vegetables, fruits, and occasionally seeds. The clinic can recommend specific products or adjust feeding plans based on the parrot's weight, age, and activity level.

Behavioural Consultations for Parrots

Parrots are intelligent and social birds that require mental stimulation and social interaction. Behavioural issues, such as aggression, anxiety, or boredom, can arise if a parrot's physical or psychological needs are not met. The clinic offers behavioural consultations to help owners address these problems effectively. The team may suggest techniques such as positive reinforcement, enrichment activities, or changes to the bird's living environment to alleviate stress and prevent behavioural problems.

Training for Better Behaviour

Training parrots can also prevent issues like biting or excessive screaming. The clinic can work with bird owners to implement training programs that improve communication between parrot and owner, leading to a happier and healthier relationship.

Conclusion

The Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic at Ashleigh Veterinary Centre is a leading provider of expert care for parrots and other exotic animals. Whether it's routine health checks, emergency care, behavioural consultations, or surgical interventions, the clinic's team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your avian companion.

Their services not only focus on immediate health concerns but also promote long-term well-being by addressing preventative health care, nutrition, and behavioural support. With a holistic approach to avian health, the clinic ensures that your parrot leads a long, healthy, and fulfilling life. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or contact their team directly.

Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic
221 Upper Chorlton Road
Manchester
M16 0DE
T: 0161 881 6868
E: [email protected]
W: www.vets4exotics.com

For more Avian Vets in the UK, please visit our directory: https://parrotessentials.co.uk/blog/avian-vets-directory-in-the-uk-parrot-essentials