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Free OET Writing Sample Test with Answer Subtest Veterinary Science #15

Parrot with Feather-Plucking Behaviour (Behavioural Referral)

Case Notes

  • Patient: “Coco” — 4-year-old African Grey Parrot

  • Owner: Ms. Leena Sharma

  • Date: 12 October 2025

  • Chief Complaint: Excessive feather plucking over the past 3 months

  • History: Recently moved house; spends long hours alone; no dietary changes

  • Physical Exam:

    • Feather loss on chest and wings

    • No ectoparasites

    • Skin normal

  • Diagnostics: CBC, biochemistry — normal; Psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) test — negative

  • Management So Far:

    • Diet enrichment with pellets and fruits

    • Provided toys and foraging opportunities

    • Trial of mild anxiolytic (fluoxetine) – minimal improvement

  • Referral Purpose: To avian behaviour specialist for advanced behavioural therapy.

Writing Task:

In your answer:
- Expand the relevant notes into complete sentences
- Do not use note form
- Use letter format
The body of the letter should be approximately 180–200 words.

To: Dr. Rachel Fernandes, Avian Behaviour Specialist
From: Dr. Suraj Mehra, DVM
Date: 12 October 2025
Re: “Coco” (African Grey Parrot, 4 yrs) — Feather-Plucking Behaviour

Dear Dr. Fernandes,

I am referring “Coco,” a four-year-old African Grey parrot, exhibiting chronic feather-plucking behaviour unresponsive to initial management.

Coco began plucking feathers three months ago following a household relocation. Physical examination and diagnostics ruled out dermatological or infectious causes, including PBFD. Environmental enrichment strategies, dietary modification, and a trial of low-dose fluoxetine yielded minimal improvement.

Given the persistence of behavioural symptoms, I believe advanced behavioural assessment and therapy under your care would be highly beneficial.

Please keep me updated on her progress and any additional management recommendations.

Yours sincerely,
Dr. Suraj Mehra, DVM

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