Page 12 - Hobe Sound Reflections - October '23

Page 12, Hobe Sound

tip oF the tail

Sudden Death … Is Rarely competent avian veterinarian as soon as practical. If the bird gets often be detected well before they become terminal. Everyone

Sudden back to normal, the appointment can always be cancelled. If the knows the value of regular checkups in people. Why shouldn’t
signs are serious, get help immediately. As already described,
our feathered family get the same care? In fact, since they don’t
the bird could be on its last leg. Serious signs include sitting speak well for themselves, sound physical exams and laboratory
quietly on the bottom of the cage, sleeping constantly on the diagnostics can speak for them.
perch, complete loss of appetite, difficulty moving around … Dr. Don J. Harris has joined Palm City Animal Medical
and anything else significantly different from the individual’s Center after a long career in exotic animals as our exotic animal
normal behavior. veterinarian.
3. Practice preventative maintenance. In other words, do Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center is
regular checkups, ideally on at least an annual basis. Chronic dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pets. With
illness can frequently be detected before it becomes terminal. focuses on compassionate care in surgery, physical therapy and
Over the decades that I have been practicing, I’ve made a rehabilitation, preventative medicine, extensive diagnostics, and
clear observation: 90 percent of the illness I see are in patients emergency service, Palm City Animal Medical Center combines
I’ve never seen before, and 90 percent of the patients I see for exceptional medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and
annual exams never present with terminal illness. Many causes of their owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit
illness in pet birds can be avoided simply through the education www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook
A few days ago, a client came in with a cockatiel that had that comes with regular veterinary visits. Other conditions can at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
been sick for less than 24 hours … or so he thought. A physical
exam revealed that the 12-year-old female was frighteningly
thin, literally skin and bones. Despite all efforts to diagnose and nonprofit news
save the bird, a few hours later, in intensive care, she died.
The truth is, the bird had not been sick for only one day; she
had probably been sick for weeks. What the owner observed was Tykes & Teens 16th Annual On Friday, Nov. 17, it’s time for “A Not-So-Silent Night” at
not the beginning of an illness, it was the beginning of the end. Rockin’ H Ranch in Palm City. This black-tie-meets-blue-jeans
The sad truth about exotic pets, particularly birds, is that they Festival Of Trees And Lights event is a brand-new addition to the Festival of Trees and Lights.
pretend to be OK until they are too weak to do so. With very With live music by the Tom Jackson Band, a delectable feast
few exceptions, at that point it’s too late for them to be saved. By Jackie Holfelder from Moonswiners Bar-B-Q, and a lively auction, it’s the night
Most pet birds are prey species. They subconsciously believe Join us for a heartwarming holiday extravaganza! Are you you won’t want to miss. Blend diamonds with denim, jackets,
that predators are always lurking, hoping to find an easy meal. ready for a dazzling celebration filled with the joy of the holiday and black ties in support of children’s mental health.
Easy meals are those individuals that are slow or weak from season? Mark your calendars for the 16th Annual Tykes & Teens Saturday, Nov. 18, begins with a magical breakfast and photos
illness or age. Therefore, in order not to be targeted, pet birds Festival of Trees and Lights, an event like no other. From Nov. with Santa. It’s free but be sure to preregister! Later in the day,
usually do everything they can to look well even when they may 14 to 18, The Flagler of Stuart will become a winter wonderland everyone can join the fun with exciting activities at Family Day.
be seriously or even terminally ill. and you can be part of it! Tykes & Teens is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit agency
Since birds pretend to be OK even when they aren’t, how The week of festive fun kicks off for everyone on Nov. 14 as dedicated to providing mental health services to children and
does one detect illness? There are three quite simple steps: the public enjoys a beautiful display of trees, wreaths, and holiday their families, regardless of ability to pay. With the support of
1. Respond to any change in behavior or appetite. Increased décor. Bring your family, friends, and a sprinkle of holiday cheer presenting sponsor, the Cleveland Clinic, this festival raises vital
or decreased hunger, becoming less active or hyperactive, as you tour this enchanting exhibit from Tuesday through Friday. funds to prioritize children’s mental health.
vocalizing more or less, etc., are all alarms that should be Ready for some holiday glitz and glamour? Wednesday the Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and make this year’s
investigated. 15th is your night! The “Joy to the Girls Cocktail Party” promises Festival of Trees and Lights a heartwarming, fun-filled, impactful
2. Respond quickly. My advice to clients is to make an an evening of elegance and laughter. Dress your best and dance event for all. For more information, visit tykesandteens.org or
appointment the moment they notice something out of the the night away. Secure your tickets now and consider a table for call (772) 220-3439. Let’s make this holiday season truly special
ordinary. If the signs are subtle, make an appointment with a eight: Make it the perfect holiday night with friends. for our community’s children.

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