One of the most frustrating situations I encounter as an avian veterinarian is seeing a bird suffer from a preventable disease. This is especially frustrating if the bird is young or just recently acquired. Too often, bird owners invest a great deal of time and money purchasing a new bird but then never take it to the vet to ensure its health.

Birds — perhaps even more so than cats and dogs — need regular veterinary examinations. Unlike cats and dogs, which are petted and handled on a regular basis, many birds are not directly handled by their owners, and they often hide disease until they are very sick. An experienced veterinarian should teach owners preventative health care, starting at the very first veterinary visit.

**For the full article, pick up the 2007 issue of Birds USA**