Hello, I have just moved to Switzerland, Lausanne with my cockatoo (among other things) -who is not well at the moment, and need to see a vet. The problem is that I cant speak french, and it is a bit difficult to know who to contact. Do you know any vets that know much about birds? I think most vets in this area know much about cats and dogs, but perhaps not birds. I would be grateful if someone know a good vet that has knowledge about birds. Thank you, Cecilie

Hi Cecilie, first question, where did you move from? When did you arrive? Was your bird inspected by a vet when you arrived? Is she just out of sorts from travel? We have a cockatoo, and we brought her home with us from Japan. She was a rescue and we have been through a lot with her so I know quite a bit about parrots. We live in the Baden area and the avian vet I know of, and I consulted with from Japan, is Dr. Peter Sandmeier. His English is fluent. Here is the website and contact details: www.kleintierpraxis.ch
You can send an e-mail or call.

The Association of Avian Vets http://www.aav.org/ lists only 6 members in Switzerland, none in the Lausanne area. Dr. Sandmeier is on this list.

The European Association of Avian vets http://www.eaav.org/ does not have a membership list that is open to view. You could write to them and ask if they have a member in Lausanne.

Lastly, here is a website where you can look up a veterinarian in Switzerland. http://www.vet-look.ch/ If you click on your Kanton on the map, the list of all veterinarians will appear. There are 10 in Lausanne. There must be someone who speaks English. Doctors who treat small animals may also see birds, and there might be someone who has a good knowledge of parrots. You are going to have to call.

Please feel free to send me a private mail and I can try and be of further assistance. As you probably know, birds try to cover up their illnesses and once there are obvious symptoms, (I don't know what these are) you really need to get to a vet quickly.

Hmm, best of luck finding a vet for your bird.

DanielL may be able to help though, i know he is a keen fan of a cockatoo.

Make sure you keep him warm whilst he is not well...

Thank you so much for all answers and help with Ole (our cockatoo`s name, a cacatua sulphurea)! I moved him from Norway in may/june, and because of stress and new environment he developed fungus. I have treated him myself and he is gaining weight again. But still I want to have a check-up just to make sure. I`ve really enjoyd this forum, it`s great to be in contact with other foreigners (I have to learn french!!)

Hope Ole is on the mend soon. Here's a photo of our Triton cockatoo who is 6 years old. Unfortunately she won't be able to help Ole learn French as she was born in Japan and understands Japanese, German and English.

Can't your cockatoo speak French yet? Give him a few more days here and put him on the phone...

Ours talks on the phone and skype. She can't type yet though not for lack of trying.