Ask a Vet

Pet ownership isn’t always easy — but we’re here to help. Noticed a behavior change in your animal recently? Not sure if you need to bring them in for a visit, or just wait it out? Send us your questions.

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Q. My 5 year old Indian Ringneck parrot has orange discoloration on her nostrils, and is plucking herself excessively on her belly and her wings. She is also sneezing 3 times in a row about every half hour.

Thanks for your question. It sounds like your parakeet has 2 separate problems. One is the sneezing, the other is feather destructive behavior. The first step in diagnosing and correcting these problems is a thorough physical exam by an experienced … Continue reading →

Q. What do you do when a ducklings leg is broken?

Thanks for your question. Ducklings feel pain just like dogs, cats, and people. Leg fractures are very painful. Immediate veterinary care is needed to manage pain and to set the fracture. This may be accomplished with splints or pins, depending … Continue reading →

Q. My Quaker parrot has suddenly become very aggressive when I go to take him out of his cage and when he first comes out. Once he’s out for awhile, he’s as sweet as can be. At one point, I sat near his cage door and he came down like he wanted to come out, so I approached with my hand. When I did, he backed away and began chattering like he does when he’s upset. I sat back and watched as he went down to the bottom of his cage and threw a tantrum…..screaming, throwing his toys around, and nervously shaking his head up and down. Why is he acting like this all of a sudden? He’s been like this ever since my brother watched him for a weekend for us. Please help.

Thanks for your question. There are multiple reasons why your pet may become cage aggressive including seasonal territoriality, a negative experience while out of the cage, fear, or a medical problem such as pain. The first step in solving the … Continue reading →

Q. I am going to be adopting a Flemish Giant rabbit and was wondering how much his or her neuter or spay will cost? Thanks so much!

Congratulations on your new baby! We would always recommend a full examination prior to surgery to ensure that your new bun is healthy and doing well before going forward with general anesthesia and surgery ($56). Once we are sure that … Continue reading →

Q. Can you suggest a reliable breeder of parakeets in the north Tampa area?

Thanks for contacting us with your question. I assume by parakeet you mean budgerigar, or budgie. The reason that I ask is that there is a whole family of parakeets (the genus Psittacula) that include Indian Ring-necked parakeets, Moustached parakeets, … Continue reading →

Q. My Love Bird has stopped eating as much, been losing weight, throwing up, and has been kind of had a drooping head and body overall, also has a bald spot that looks irritated. Our love birds have their water changed 3 times a day, their food changed twice a day and clean cages as well as those anti mite things on their cages. We don’t know what to do as we fear one of our love birds is getting worse and worse, could you help?

Small birds, such as lovebirds, need to be examined by an experienced avian veterinarian at the first sign of disease. There are many illnesses that could cause the signs that you describe. Please call us to set up a convenient … Continue reading →

Q. Do you treat Guinea pigs?

Yes we treat guinea pigs! Our veterinarians have extensive experience in the medical and surgical treatment of guinea pigs, as well as helping with wellness care and disease prevention. Give us a call at 813 885 4477 to set up an appointment … Continue reading →

Q. My 3 year old Quaker Parrot has been self mutilating. What can I do?

Q: My 3 year old Quaker Parrot has been self mutilating. It started on his neck and legs. But now he has pulled all the feathers from under his wings. Now he has a raw spot under one wing. Should … Continue reading →

Q. My iguana won’t eat and is really scared of me. I need help. What can I do?

Iguanas, although fairly popular as pets, are quite difficult to look after properly. They grow quite large (5-6′ in length) and can be aggressive. Many of the medical problems that they suffer from are related to inappropriate living conditions or … Continue reading →

Q. Do you care for primates? I am planning on purchasing a Marmoset and in need of a Vet that cares for primates.

Yes! We care for primates. Dr. Peter Helmer, board certified specialist, will be able to perform an examination for your pet and make the necessary recommendations for your new companion’s care. You can call him at 813 973 8566 and he will … Continue reading →