Due to new veterinary regulations, we are not able to prescribe medicines for any patient unless a physical examination of the animal has been performed. This may take place at the clinic (link to contact us page) or at one of Dr Marshall's Bird Health Seminars which are conducted in various regions throughout Australia. Please contact your local bird club for information on upcoming seminars.

If you have any queries regarding your bird's health, Dr Marshall is happy to offer his advice but no medicines will be prescribed unless a physical examination has taken place.

Compared to dogs, cats and other pet animals, it is far more difficult for the veterinarian to diagnose health problems in birds, because of their small size and the fact that birds hide symptoms of illness until they are very ill. The correct diagnosis requires talking to you about your bird, looking at your bird’s droppings under the microscope, culture tests of the droppings and throat, sometimes X-rays and also special Psittacosis tests. Dropping samples can be submitted by post after talking to me over the phone when you are unable to visit the hospital.

Consultation Options

• By phone: (02) 9871 7113
• Fax: (02) 9873 2175
• E-mail: robmarshall@birdhealth.com.au
• Or in person to:
  772 Pennant Hills Road
  Carlingford NSW 2118

Diagnostic Options

• Send droppings by post.
• Send birds by courier.
• Come in person with droppings and birds.

Option One - The diagnosis is very quick and highly cost effective

After a few minutes talking with you, I can get a very good idea of the health problems with your birds and the best first aid advice is then offered. There is no charge for this service. Emergency first aid medicines can be sent to arrive the very next day. These are used to control the illness immediately whilst further tests may be recommended to confirm my suspicions.

The exact diagnosis usually requires the analysis of fresh droppings. The droppings are collected and sent according to the special instructions outlined below. Immediately on arrival, the droppings are processed and examined carefully under the microscope. These tests confirm that the emergency first aid medicines are indeed the best option for your birds’ illness. However, a further culture test (the droppings are grown on a special plate and incubated for 48-72 hours) is taken to understand your problem completely, so that it doe not occur again.

Special tests for Chlamydiosis ($75.00) or pathology and post mortem ($165.00) may be recommended for long-standing and complex disease problems. The cost for complete dropping analysis (wet smear, gram stain, culture and Psittacosis) is $99.00 (GST inc.).

Option Two - The droppings are sent by Express Post

First move the ill birds to a holding cage lined with fresh paper to collect the dropping samples. The larger, discoloured droppings are needed for analysis. Collect them using a cotton bud and then transfer to a piece of paper, but do not include the cotton bud in the sample. A sample of three or four droppings is taken, wrapped tightly in glad wrap, labeled, then placed into an envelope and express posted to me. Phone after 3p.m. the next day for the results and recommendations.

Copyright © 2006 Rob Marshall, All Rights Reserved.