Avian Veterinary Services (AVS) is the North West’s only dedicated avian veterinary practice, specialising exclusively in the medical and surgical care of birds. Situated conveniently at the Gadbrook Business Centre in Northwich, near junctions 18 and 19 of the M6, AVS serves as a state-of-the-art facility tailored to meet the unique needs of a diverse range of avian species. From tiny finches to majestic eagles, AVS is equipped to provide exceptional care for parrots, raptors (including falcons, owls, vultures, hawks, and eagles), chickens, and waterfowl.

About Avian Veterinary Services

Founded and led by Richard Jones, a passionate and highly qualified avian vet, AVS is committed to delivering the highest standard of healthcare for birds. The clinic operates with a clear mission: to enhance the lives of avian patients through superior veterinary medicine, comprehensive owner education, and ongoing research in avian health. AVS is dedicated to creating a stress-free environment, ensuring that both birds and their owners receive compassionate and personalised care.

Diagnostic Services at Avian Veterinary Services

Accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective treatment, and Avian Veterinary Services excels in providing advanced diagnostic services tailored specifically for avian patients. Understanding that birds often mask their symptoms to avoid appearing vulnerable, early detection and disease prevention are paramount. AVS employs a range of sophisticated diagnostic tools to ensure precise and timely identification of health issues.

Radiology

AVS is equipped with state-of-the-art digital radiography technology, enabling the rapid production of high-definition X-rays. This advanced imaging allows avian vets to diagnose a variety of conditions, from bone fractures to internal disorders, with minimal anaesthesia time. The enhanced imaging capabilities are particularly beneficial when treating smaller birds, ensuring their safety and comfort during the diagnostic process. Additionally, digital radiographs are environmentally friendly, eliminating the need for processing chemicals and allowing for easy storage and sharing of images with owners.

Endoscopy

For conditions that are not easily identifiable through radiography, AVS utilises endoscopy. This minimally invasive procedure allows avian vets to directly examine the internal structures of a bird, including the respiratory tracts and gastrointestinal system. The ability to perform biopsies during endoscopy facilitates prompt and accurate diagnosis, enabling timely treatment. The digital capture of endoscopic images further aids in detailed consultations with bird owners and referrals to other specialists if necessary.

Laboratory Services

A fully equipped on-site laboratory enhances AVS’s diagnostic capabilities, offering a comprehensive range of tests such as blood analyses, microbiology, and parasitology. For samples that require specialised testing, AVS partners with a local veterinary diagnostic lab that specialises in exotic species, ensuring same-day results. This swift turnaround is critical in avian medicine, where timely diagnosis can significantly impact the outcome for the patient.

Avian Vet Care at Avian Veterinary Services

The avian vet care provided at AVS is both comprehensive and compassionate, encompassing preventive, curative, and emergency services to maintain and restore the health of avian patients. Each care plan is tailored to the individual needs of the bird, ensuring personalised and effective treatment.

Preventive Care

Preventive care is a fundamental aspect of AVS’s approach, focusing on regular health checks, vaccinations, and parasite control. New bird and annual health checks are highly recommended to facilitate early detection of potential health issues. These appointments include thorough examinations, minor procedures such as nail trimming and microchipping, and discussions on husbandry, nutrition, behaviour, and disease prevention. By fostering a strong relationship with bird owners, AVS ensures that each bird receives ongoing care and monitoring to promote long-term health and well-being.

Emergency Care

AVS prides itself on offering a 24-hour emergency service, ensuring that critical care is available whenever it is needed. Whether a bird experiences a traumatic injury or a sudden illness, the dedicated team of avian vets is prepared to provide immediate and expert assistance. This round-the-clock availability guarantees continuity of care and peace of mind for bird owners, knowing that their pets are in capable hands during emergencies.

List of Avian Vet Services

Avian Veterinary Services offers a broad spectrum of specialised services designed to meet the diverse needs of avian patients. These services include:

• Wellness Exams: Comprehensive health assessments to monitor and maintain your bird’s health.
• Diagnostic Imaging: Advanced X-rays and ultrasound imaging for accurate diagnosis.
• Surgical Procedures: From minor to complex surgeries, including orthopaedic and microsurgical interventions.
• Behavioural Consultations: Expert advice on managing and improving bird behaviour.
• Nutritional Advice: Guidance on optimal diets to support your bird’s health.
• Post-operative Care: Comprehensive support following surgical procedures to ensure a smooth recovery.
• Vaccinations: Essential immunisations to protect against common avian diseases.
• Parasite Control: Effective treatments to eliminate internal and external parasites.
• Emergency Services: 24-hour care for urgent health issues.
• Long-term Management of Chronic Diseases: Ongoing support for birds with persistent health conditions.
• Microchipping: A reliable method of identifying and recovering lost birds.
• Faecal Sampling: Identification and treatment of intestinal parasites.
• Feather Repair: Techniques to repair damaged feathers, enhancing flight and preventing further trauma.
• Parrot Boarding: Luxury boarding facilities with round-the-clock care, ensuring your bird’s comfort and safety during your absence.

The AVS Team

The expertise and dedication of the AVS team are integral to the clinic’s success in providing top-tier avian care. Led by Richard Jones, a highly qualified avian vet with extensive experience, the team is committed to delivering exceptional service and compassionate care.

Richard Jones, BVSc MSc MRCVS

Richard Jones is the founder and lead avian vet at AVS. His passion for birds began in his youth, evolving into a professional dedication to avian medicine and surgery. After graduating from Liverpool University’s School of Veterinary Science in 1995, Richard completed his elective in avian medicine and pursued further specialisation through an avian residency and master’s degree programme at The Raptor Center, University of Minnesota. Since establishing AVS in 2010, Richard has lectured and published internationally on avian medicine and surgery. His clinical interests include avian endoscopy and orthopaedics, ensuring that AVS remains at the forefront of avian veterinary care.

Carli Dodd, RVN

Carli Dodd is a qualified veterinary nurse with over two decades of experience in avian and exotic animal care. One of the first nurses in the country to attain the City & Guilds Certificate in the Veterinary Nursing of Exotic Species, Carli is particularly passionate about parrot behaviour and nutrition. She is also an accomplished wildlife photographer and leather crafter, bringing a creative and compassionate approach to her role at AVS.

Emily Hemilyardacre BVM&S CertZooMed MRCVS

Emily Hemilyardacre is a certified zoological medicine specialist with extensive experience in avian and exotic pet care. Holding the RCVS Certificate in Zoological Medicine, Emily’s expertise includes soft-tissue surgery and psittacine medicine. Her dedication to avian health is complemented by her personal interests in dog walking, travelling, and oil painting, enriching the compassionate care she provides at AVS.

Comprehensive Facilities

AVS boasts a range of custom-built facilities designed to cater to the specific needs of avian patients, ensuring their comfort and safety during treatment and recovery.

Hospitalisation and Intensive Care Units

The clinic features individually ventilated hospitalisation and intensive care units, with separate wards for predatory and non-predatory species. This segregation minimises stress and prevents the spread of potential infections, providing a secure and controlled environment for all patients.

Advanced Diagnostic Equipment

• Digital Radiography: Rapid and high-definition X-rays that reduce anaesthesia time and enhance diagnostic accuracy.
• Endoscopy Unit: State-of-the-art equipment for direct internal examinations and biopsies.
• Avian Anaesthesia and Surgical Equipment: Including mechanical ventilators, capnography, water circulating heating blankets, radiosurgery tools, and specialised orthopaedic and microsurgical instruments.

Laboratory Services

In-house laboratory capabilities are supplemented by partnerships with specialised diagnostic labs, ensuring quick and accurate results for all necessary tests. This integration allows AVS to offer same-day diagnostics, which is crucial for effective avian patient care.

Parrot Boarding Facilities

For bird owners who require temporary care for their pets, AVS provides luxury parrot boarding facilities. These include king-sized cages, natural apple branch perches, and tailored nutrition and background sound/music to cater to each bird’s individual needs. Round-the-clock care by qualified veterinary staff ensures that boarded birds receive continuous attention and support.

Microchipping and Faecal Sampling

To enhance the safety and health of avian patients, AVS provides microchipping services and faecal sampling. Microchipping offers a reliable method of identifying and recovering lost birds, while faecal sampling detects intestinal parasites, preventing potential health complications through timely treatment.

Referral and Emergency Services

As a one-vet practice currently operating at capacity, AVS prioritises new clients within a 30-minute radius of the practice. The clinic provides a complete first opinion and referral service for all bird species, ensuring continuity of care through personal 24-hour coverage. Referral requests can be submitted via email, and AVS guarantees a prompt response within 24 hours, along with comprehensive discharge instructions and follow-up reports.

Conclusion

Avian Veterinary Services stands as a pillar of specialised avian care in the North West, offering a comprehensive range of diagnostic, preventive, and emergency services tailored to the unique needs of birds. Led by a team of dedicated and highly qualified avian vets, AVS ensures that every feathered patient receives the highest standard of medical attention in a compassionate and stress-free environment. For bird owners seeking expert care and support, Avian Veterinary Services represents an invaluable resource for maintaining the health and happiness of their avian companions.

Avian Veterinary Services
16 Dalby Court
Gadbrook Business Centre
Northwich
Cheshire
CW9 7TN
T: 01606 350 410
W: www.avianveterinaryservices.co.uk
E: [email protected]

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