Zoey, a blue crown conure

My family got Zoey, a blue crown conure, when she was just 4 months old. Now 12 years old, she's an integral member of our "flock" (which consists of 3 humans and 4 birds).

She's by all accounts a lively, opinionated, and feisty parrot, so when I came home one day to find her sitting on the floor of her cage facing the back corner I knew there was something gravely wrong with her. I took her to a local vet that claims to specialize in exotics, but was sent home with some antibiotics, claiming what they saw "was a healthy bird." They also suggested if she was not better in a couple of days to consider taking her to the Animal Medical Center.

Dumbfounded, I left, with a bird who could hardly perch and was 
shaking/twitching her head/neck with obvious neurological issues. We watched Zoey go downhill overnight, but since the exotics vet at the AMC wasn't due in until the morning we chose to stay at home with her until 6am, when we drove her from NJ to AMC. There, Dr. Quesenberry took one look at Zoey and suggested poison. Zoey was extremely weak at this point and having seizure-like symptoms, so I said what I thought might be my final goodbye to her, and they took her in the back for bloodwork and an x-ray.

Within an hour I had an answer. As it turns out, Zoey managed to ingest 2 
small pieces of lead, most likely from a toy manufactured overseas. Dr. 
Quesenberry immediately started her on chelation therapy to remove the very high levels of lead from her blood. Zoey spent the night at the AMC where the vets/techs stabilized and took excellent care of her. The following afternoon we went to pick her up, and while still extremely sick and weak, she was clearly on the mend.

Dr. Quesenberry swiftly diagnosed Zoey's acute symptoms, and because of that she saved Zoey's life. For that I am forever grateful; to her and the techs who assisted in Zoey's care.

Zoey's follow up care has been facilitated by Dr. Moore. He's also a 
wonderful, caring vet who takes Zoey's health and recovery very seriously. 
She has some residual damage in her toes due to the extremely high levels of lead, and we are working on finding a therapy to help her get as close to 
100% as possible.

The AMC has demonstrated a level of commitment, compassion, and knowledge that surpasses any vet I've worked with. My flock will be visiting the AMC for years to come! Thank you AMC!