Bird and Avian Animal Hospital in Arlington MA
Birds are remarkable companions. They are intelligent, social, and deeply bonded with the people who care for them. They are also remarkably good at hiding when something is wrong.
By the time a bird shows visible signs of illness, they have often been unwell for some time. That is why regular care from an experienced avian vet matters so much. At Arlington Animal Clinic, we have been caring for pet birds in Arlington and the surrounding area for over 45 years.
We see parrots, cockatiels, parakeets, conures, lovebirds, canaries, finches, and other companion birds. If your bird needs a wellness exam, is showing concerning symptoms, or requires avian surgery, our team is here for you.
Bird Wellness Exams
We recommend a wellness exam for your bird once a year. Because birds mask illness so instinctively, routine exams are one of the most effective ways to stay ahead of health concerns, often catching problems before any symptoms are visible.
During a wellness visit, our veterinarian will do a thorough physical exam, checking weight, feather condition, beak and nail length, eyes, nares, and overall body condition. We talk with you about diet, environment, and anything you have noticed at home.
We may also recommend a fecal test or baseline bloodwork, especially for birds that have never had a complete workup. These tests can reveal internal parasites, infections, or nutritional imbalances that are not visible during a physical exam.
Bird Emergency Veterinary Care
Birds can deteriorate quickly. If your bird is showing any of the signs below, please call us right away at 781-646-0758. Do not wait to see if things improve.
- Open-mouth breathing or labored breathing
- Tail bobbing up and down with each breath
- Sitting on the floor of the cage instead of a perch
- Feathers puffed up combined with unusual stillness
- Not eating for more than a day
- Discharge from the nostrils or eyes
- Sudden loss of balance or coordination
- Visible injury or bleeding
Avian Surgery
Some birds require surgical procedures. These may include removal of a growth or mass, reproductive surgery, treatment of an internal condition, or other soft tissue care.
Avian surgery requires a specialized understanding of bird physiology and very careful anesthetic management. Birds have a fast metabolism and respond to anesthesia differently than mammals. We take every precaution to make sure your bird is safe and closely monitored before, during, and after any procedure.
If your bird has been recommended for surgery, we will explain the procedure clearly, answer every question you have, and make sure you feel prepared and confident before we proceed.
Beak, Nail, and Feather Care
Overgrown beaks and nails are common in pet birds and can cause real problems. A beak that is too long or misshapen can make it difficult for your bird to eat. Overgrown nails can catch on cage materials and lead to injury.
We perform beak trims and nail trims as part of our beak and dental care services.
Feather condition is also something we evaluate at every wellness visit. Feather quality can reflect a lot about a bird’s nutritional status, hormonal health, and overall wellbeing. If your bird has been over-preening, feather plucking, or showing abnormal feather growth, we would like to take a look.
Nutrition and Environment
Many of the health problems we see in pet birds are related to diet. A seed-only diet is one of the most common causes of nutritional deficiency in companion birds, and the effects can be serious over time.
We are glad to talk through your bird’s diet at every visit and make species-appropriate recommendations. We can also discuss cage setup, lighting, humidity, and social enrichment. Getting the environment right is just as important as getting the food right, and we want to make sure you have the information you need.
Species We See
We care for a wide range of pet birds, including:
- Parrots, including African greys, Amazons, macaws, and cockatoos
- Cockatiels and parakeets
- Conures and lovebirds
- Canaries and finches
- Doves and pigeons
- Other companion birds
If you are not sure whether we see your species, please call us and we will let you know.
Your Trusted Avian Vet in Arlington MA
Arlington Animal Clinic is located at 191 Broadway in Arlington, MA. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We serve bird owners in Arlington, Somerville, Medford, Cambridge, Belmont, Lexington, and surrounding communities.
Birds are deeply loved members of the family, and we treat them that way. We take time to get to know your bird and to understand what is normal for them, which makes it much easier to notice when something has changed.
We would love to be your bird’s veterinary home. You can also explore our full range of exotic pet care services.