Avian Health Consultations
Veterinary consultations for birds with Jeanne Smith, DVM.
California license no. 8932
About Dr. Smith
Behavior/training consultations for birds with August Abbott
PIJAC certified Avian Specialist
About Dr. August Abbott
This service is designed to provide help to bird owners that can’t bring their bird in to a veterinarian due to distance, illness/disability, or finances. The online consultation services will help you with questions you have about your bird’s health, nutrition, or behavior/training. This format isn’t suitable for emergency or urgent situations. If your bird is gasping for breath, has bleeding you can’t stop, seizures, or severe lethargy/inability to perch, please click here for first aid advice and start calling emergency clinics in your area.
If your bird is experiencing non-urgent health problems this service can help you as a place to start investigating
and addressing it, but it usually isn’t a substitute for getting your bird physically examined by a local veterinarian
This service is useful for:
• Determining if something is normal or an indication of illness.
• Determining how quickly your bird should get veterinary intervention.
• Initiating home supportive care to help your bird until it can be seen by a veterinarian.
• Determining if there are over-the-counter home remedies that can help your bird.
• Resolving conflicting information available on the internet.
• Getting more information or interpretation of test results or necropsy findings.
• Understanding your bird’s behavior and how to work with it to maintain a positive relationship.
• Grief counseling in the unfortunate event you’ve experienced a loss with your bird or a poor prognosis for your bird.
To proceed to requesting an consultation, click on the service you would like.
Unless you are in California and select a video consultation, Dr. Smith cannot prescribe prescription medications. Only a veterinarian who has physically examined your bird can do that legally. Usually only a list of possible diagnoses can be given. Occasionally a definite diagnosis can be given.
For California Residents Only
If you live in California, you may request a live video consultation with Dr. Smith. If prescription medications are indicated, Dr. Smith can prescribe up to 14 days of an antibiotic and up to 6 months of prescription medication that isn’t an antibiotic. A video consultation is required. You must select California Video. The cost is $55.00 and you must be capable of doing a Skype or Zoom or What’s App video call.
For video calls, you may request a copy of the medical records generated by the call emailed to you. If you have any questions or complaints about your video call with Dr. Smith you can contact the California Veterinary Medical Board.
Health and Nutrition questions will be answered by Dr. Jeanne Smith usually within 2 hours if the question posts between 8 am and 4 pm Pacific Time, 7 days a week. If you place a request after 4 pm, Dr. Smith will respond the next morning.
Behavior and training and grief counseling questions will be answered by August Abbott usually the same day if posted between 8 am and 4 pm Pacific Time, 7 days a week. If they are temporarily unavailable, there will be a notice posted to notify you. You can ask questions about any species of bird. If you decide to cancel your request before receiving a response, you’ll receive a refund within 24 hours.