Dr. David Marx, DVM, is probably America's best know pigeon veterinarian. An
accomplished racing pigeon flyer, he was the founding president and a two-term
president of the Association of Pigeon Veterinarian's. In 1992 he began a
monthly column in the Racing Pigeon Digest on pigeon health matters and issues,
which are now edited and compiled in a handy reference book. 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 $20.00
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
David E. Marx D.V.M.
Golden Valley Pet and Pigeon Clinic
2707 NW 60th Ave.
Norman, OK 73072
1-900-737-MARX
