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My chicken is wheezing. Can a virtual vet help or prescribe medicine?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Exotic | Unknown - Exotic | Female | unspayed | 3 lbs

Do you know of any "virtual" vet exam sites? I can't get in to see a vet until tomorrow and my chicken is having a really hard time breathing and eating. She's wheezing like mad. :( Can you prescribe medicine over the internet for her?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Jessica Desrosiers

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on June 6th, 2017

Unfortunately it is not permmitted to prescribe medications without an in-person examination. If Della is having a hard time breathing you can try to see if there is an emergency veterinarian in your area that can see her sooner than tomorrow. Keeping her separated from the flock in a small pen that is cool and dark with access to food and water may help her long enough until you can get to the vet.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Emily, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Hello
    Unfortunately in the US veterinarian's are required to establish a veterinary--client-patient relationship (VCPR) which many state veterinary boards oversee and require at least an annual hands-on exam to establish. So right now virtual vets aren't allowed to prescribe medications.

    One option is to contact any local large animal veterinarian's as well as possibly a veterinarian that sees birds at all and see if they can see your chicken sooner. Sometimes a veterinary college will see chickens on emergency basis as well.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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