ugggggggg I need meds for my chook and no one will give them to me!!

[Sonoran Silkies]

In general, pills don't expire.

 

[AHappychick]

its not a pill my ds is 3 1/2 years old so it is actually grape flavored liquid lol makes it a lot easier to give it to him (pills would be a real pain) and he does not seem to mind the flavor either

we are still doing good he is starting to be able to get around now with out as much flopping still cant walk correctly but I really think he is gonna get better if I keep this up for a few more weeks. I intend to start lowering his dosage on Sat-Sun and hope to have him off it completely by next thurseday or friday.

I am so happy I kept trying, there were a few days where I wondered why I was not culling him I think he will eventually get to live a normal chicken life and hopefully sire lots of chicks.

 

[mypicklebird]

It is legal for a human Dr with an ongoing relationship with a patient to call in a med without seeing the human- ie if the patient is a current patient with a Dr, it is legal to prescribe meds. It is the same with a vet. If the patient (chicken, cat, rat or dog) is a current patient--- which is interpreted as being seen in the last year-drugs can be prescribed at the discretion of the doctor, without laying hands on the patient. That is what is happening with your mom, as well as how we humans get our refills at the pharmacy for ongoing medical problems. Being a current patient is the key. The only wiggle room I see for a vet who is both trying to be legal as well as trying to do the right thing--- is sometimes charity work (ie free visits), or doing FLOCK medicine- ie working with people who manage cat colonies and need to treat groups of cats with the same problem, litters of puppies/kittens, groups of chickens- see & touch ONE of the group and visually inspect and weight the rest, or if needs be- guestimate the weights on the rest. A vet has to have some real trust with a client to be able to bend the rules for them (ie prescribe a drug without seeing the animal), as it is their license on the line if the client gets ticked off and reports them. Someone with an outstanding bill would probably not qualify as a favorite trusted client.

That said, 150$ is a lot to walk through the door. Even a boarded avian/exotics specialist exam costs 50-100$, and estimates need to be given for things beyond the cost of the exam (or sometimes even that!). Tests should not be run without permission & discussion of costs. If cost is a factor, written estimates should definitely be given and signed, before things proceed. It is frustrating to keep species that the local veterinary establishment is unwilling to see. Your options are to drive farther, cultivate a local vet to see the occasional chicken for you, play vet yourself and do what you can within your means, or all of the above! Keep all options open if you can.

Find your closest vet who likes chickens and likes to see them- know where they are if you ever need them, 'help' your more local vets (maybe the one who sees your dogs/cats?) grow to like chickens and want to see them, create a chicken first aid box and stock with things you might need on a regular basis.

Prednisone (steroid) is not used much for any brain/spinal issues in mammals anymore- humans either- Mostly used for allergic reactions, chemotherapy/immune mediated disease. And birds don't tolerate steroids very well at all. Head trauma in a silkie that gets better with supportive care, is not likely being helped by the steroid- it is being helped by TIME and your supportive care.

AND last but not least- Peter Brown is not a veterinarian. He is nicknamed the chicken doctor. He works for First State Veterinary Supply and recommends drugs based on symptoms described over the phone. They waive the 'consultation fee' if you purchase something over 50$.



Quote:
This is the only vet that will even see a chicken with in hours of me, I have called every one in my phone book.

I know plenty of people who can call in scrips for both animals and people even, heck if my mom calles her dr she can get antibiotics with out seeing them. I do understand but frankly at the moment I care more about my chicken then someone unwilling to bend the rules this one time. I would bring in the chicken to the vet but he wont "see" him for less money and I just dont have it.