| David
E. Marx DVM
I frequently get asked:
"Whats new" (about pigeon health). There are rarely things that
are actually new, but a few things change. Whats new is:
I am beginning to see more resistance to Baytril in the organisms that
I culture. This is because the antibiotic has been used, and abused, long
enough for bacteria to have developed resistance to it. Remember, when
you use Antibiotics, to use them for the proper length of time and at
the correct dosage; and NOT to use them when not actually needed.
The more the bacteria get exposed to an antibiotic, the greater the odds
that they will be able to develop resistance. This is especially true
when they are administered for only a day or two, and dosed regularly,
or at low dosage.
There is a great resurgence in PMV. Fanciers have gotten complacent about
vaccinating for this disease. It's incidence had gone down, but now is
back up. The vaccination gives nearly 100% protection, is inexpensive,
is easy to give, and has no detrimental effect on the birds. Over half
of the outbreaks involve the kidney form of the disease only. The birds
become unable to concentrate their urine, so they pass large volume of
very dilute urine, causing tremendous amounts of watery fluid to pass
with the droppings. Most birds can recover from this disease, but it is
very slow, taking months. Some only recover partially and will never be
able to produce a "dry" dropping.
I am diagnosing a large amount of disease in the birds caused by a bacteria
called Klebsiella. It is from the same family of organisms as is E. coli
and Salmonella. It is an opportunist, which was previously rarely associated
with disease. Now we deal with it regularly in cases of sick and/or dying
pigeons. It is not a normal inhabitant of the pigeon gut, as is E.coli.
It may be more prevalent because more people use strong antibiotics more
regularly on their pigeons. This kills the E.coli which are normal, leaving
the gut "open" for other bacteria to colonize and to potentially
cause disease.
Resistance is becoming more frequent in Trichomonas. We can no longer
treat for this and assume that the birds are clear. Resistance to ronidazole
is the most common problem. There is less resistance to metronidazole
at this time. I recommend alternating anti-trichomonas drugs to discourage
resistance. Remember that as trichomonas numbers go up, performance goes
proportionately down. Trichomonas infected birds cannot perform as well
as birds which have none.
For a while worms in pigeons had decreased dramatically because of the
new wormers that became available in the late 80's. The incidence of worms
is rising again. Don't neglect this aspect of pigeon health. Remember
to treat before every season, for worms. Ivomec will eliminate Capallaria
(hairworms), but usually will not completely eliminate Roundworms. If
you have a roundworm problem use Pyrantel Pamoate. It is a safe and inexpensive
medication which usually only has to be used for one day,and can be dosed
in the water.
Remember when submitting dead birds or feces for culture and other diagnostic
work, never freeze them. Freezing makes them useless, in most cases. Refrigeration
is fine, and recommended in warm temperatures. Submit to the laboratory
in the fastest mode available, which is usually overnight delivery.
David E. Marx DVM
David E. Marx D.V.M. Golden Valley Pet and Pigeon Clinic
2707 NW 60th Ave. Norman, OK 73072
1-405-321-1659
The charge is $12.00 for the first 5 minutes then $3.00 per Minute Diagnostic
service still available Fecal Micro and Culture $20
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