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Frequently asked questions
Our Clinic
Melbourne Bird Veterinary Clinic is Victoria’s only bird-exclusive veterinary practice, established for over 20 years. Unlike general veterinary clinics or mixed-animal practices, we treat birds only, every day.
Our clinic is built around:
• Advanced avian-specific diagnostics (CT, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, digital radiography, endoscopy, cytology, in-house lead testing)
• Specialist-level surgical and medical care
• Microsurgical equipment designed for very small birds
• A highly experienced, avian-dedicated clinical team
This focus ensures birds receive the most accurate diagnosis and safest treatments possible.
Melbourne Bird Veterinary Clinic is separate and independent from other businesses.
• Dr Pat Macwhirter, who is a registered avian specialist originally founded Bird Vet Melbourne in Burwood.
• For the past several years, Dr Pat has partnered exclusively with Dr Matthew Gosbell at Melbourne Bird Veterinary Clinic.
• As a result, all of Dr Pat’s specialist consultations and referral services are performed at our clinic, not at Bird Vet Melbourne or any other clinic.
This means:
• When you book with us, your bird is treated by one of two clinics in Victoria that includes an avian specialist on staff.
• We provide both primary care and specialist referral services from the same location.
Yes.
Our clinic includes:
• Dr Patricia Macwhirter, a Registered Specialist in Avian Medicine and Surgery
• Dr Matthew Gosbell, who has achieved Avian Registrar status and lectures Pet Bird Medicine & Surgery at the University of Melbourne
Together, they provide specialist-level diagnosis, medicine, and surgery for all pet bird species.
We are one of Australia’s best-equipped avian clinics.
Our tools include:
• CT scanning (Vimago HD CT)
• Ultrasound with avian-specific protocols
• Fluoroscopy
• Digital radiography
• Endoscopy (rigid & flexible)
• In-house lead testing
• In-house cytology & haematology
• Microsurgical suite designed for delicate procedures on very small birds
This equipment allows same-day, high-precision diagnosis of complex conditions
Our clinic offers comprehensive avian behaviour consultations with a veterinarian who is both a qualified avian vet and a qualified behaviourist - a unique combination of expertise in Australia.
This allows us to assess behaviour from both:
• A medical perspective
• A behavioural-science perspective
We can assist with:
• Screaming
• Biting & aggression
• Feather damaging behaviour
• Anxiety & phobias
• Hormonal issues
• Environmental stress
• Housing, enrichment, and training plans
Because our behaviourist is also a veterinarian, we integrate:
• Medical assessment
• Diagnostic imaging (if required)
• Hormonal evaluation
• Evidence-based medication options
• Behaviour modification programs
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