The University of Penn Vets Visit
© Sybil Erden, Director, The Oasis Sanctuary December 30, 2002

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Twice during 2002 The Oasis was host to Veterinarians from the University of Pennsylvania.

The first time, in the spring of 2002, the University sent two veterinarians, Drs. Matt Johnston and Diane Preziosi. They came to do a skin study testing the theory that pluckers and mutilators might have different fungi or bacteria on their skin than normally feathered birds. Over a two-day period they looked at about 100 birds. They took a small piece of tape and applied it to a small area of skin and lifted dust, dander and whatever microscopic organisms grew on the skin. At that time, TJ Georgitso worked with the Vets, taking the birds from their cages and outdoor aviaries, toweling and often holding them during the procedure, then returning the birds to their homes, no worse for wear.

At that time, we had the opportunity to spend time and become friends with both Matt and Diane. Matt broached us with the idea of coming back out in the fall with a larger group of doctors to do another study. The Oasis would be part of a study to determine normal blood values in healthy birds of various species. Most normal values for chemistries done on our companion parrots are based on the normal values of Cockatiels...which may be different than those, say, of a Macaw. We would be allowing the veterinarians to draw small amounts of blood from our "normal" birds (non-mutilators, birds with no known liver or kidney problems etc.)

In May I invited Dr. Johnston to make a presentation at the Avian Welfare Coalition's Second Round Table held in Washington D.C. Then in September when I went to the Association of Avian Veterinarians conference in California, I ran into Matt Johnston and Dr. Karen Rosenthal, who is the head of his department. I had the pleasure of sitting in on several sessions that Dr. Rosenthal presented on radiography. I learned a lot from her. I also met one of the owners of Abaxis, the company that makes the VetScan blood-testing machine that the veterinarians would be using for the blood study. I told him that we had been working with the doctors at the University of Pennsylvania. This led to our receiving, on permanent loan, the donation of one of the VetScan machines for Oasis' use.

In early December both Drs. Johnston and Rosenthal, with two residents, Erica and Anne, as well as a computer expert from Abaxis, Scott, came out to Arizona for several days. They spent two days on site and tested 150 of The Oasis birds. We received a copy of every test and now have a more up-to-date record of these birds for our records. A few birds out of the 150 were found to have some abnormalities. Our own Dr. Todd Driggers later checked these out further. (See the article Bringing Brenda Back)

Karen Rosenthal was so impressed with the start we have made here at the sanctuary that she jokingly said that she would love to move out here and work with us! More realistically, she has suggested coming back with other veterinarians including Dr. Avery Bennet, one of the leading Avian surgeons in the country, a couple of times a year to help us keep this flock healthy. The doctors would donate their time. The Oasis simply needs to find funds to get them here. Our vet, Dr. Driggers, was so enthusiastic that he offered to bring his mobile equipment for the use of the University veterinarians. Getting this program set up and funded is now a priority we are working on achieving as soon as possible.

The Oasis has developed a wonderful friendship and professional relationship with the doctors from the University of Pennsylvania during 2002. We look forward to working with them well into the future.