Cat caught pigeons

[cyro51]

70-90% of cats and 50-66% of dogs carry a small, gram-negative organism in their saliva called Pasteurella Multococida.

The organism is highly toxic to birds and leads to septicemia and death if introduced into a bird by a bite or a scratch. Even preening feathers that have been mouthed by a cat or a dog can prove fatal to a bird.

Because birds have a fast metabolism the infection develops quickly. They can die before symptoms show, even to the most experienced eye. This is why bird rescuers and rehabilitators will urge people that have a cat caught bird to put it on antibiotics as soon as possible.

This is what the Audubon Society reports on the survival rate of cat caught birds:

“The survival rate for cat-caught wildlife is dismal. At our center the overall survival rate for all animals is more than 40% but for cat caught-animals it is only 14%. Because of the trauma and infection associated with cat bites, the reality is that most animals caught by cats are going to die. The species that we see include mostly birds ranging from warblers to woodpeckers to screech owls.”

I know some members argue against giving antibiotics because it is not inevitable that a cat caught bird will develop infection. Because of the speed at which death can follow I consider this too great a gamble to take!

I treat cat caught pigeons with Synulox (Clavamox) and to date have had a 100% success rate , even though one was given a 1% chance of survival.

Cynthia

[maryco]

Very informative Cynthia!

Thanks..

[AZWhitefeather]

This is what the Audubon Society reports on the survival rate of cat caught birds:

“The survival rate for cat-caught wildlife is dismal. At our center the overall survival rate for all animals is more than 40% but for cat caught-animals it is only 14%. Because of the trauma and infection associated with cat bites, the reality is that most animals caught by cats are going to die. The species that we see include mostly birds ranging from warblers to woodpeckers to screech owls.”


Thank you Cynthia. Your post is most certainly an eye opener.
It can't be stressed enough, the importance of immediate attention to any pigeon suspected of an injury (or illness), but especially if the injuries are visible.
There is always cause for concern & advice on the contrary should not be given.

Cindy

[AZWhitefeather]

Cindy, when you use all those bold fonts does that mean you are yelling at the reader, or that what you say is meant to be believed?
No Dano (snowbird), I was not yelling at anyone.
I was emphasizing that when a member comes to us for advice, with factual information regarding an injured pigeon, they should not be given the advice such as you gave willowsong stating:
Don't worry about the rehab, don't worry about the antibiotics/vet, and don't worry about the foot injury.

And when you say that advice contrary to your opinion should not be given, is that your official edict as an owner of the Pigeons.com country club and tea service?
It's common sense, not an opinion, that concerns should be taken regarding an injured pigeon, rather than advising one 'not to worry'.

I don't have the time, nor do I choose, to entertain your sarcastic comments about this website. Please keep them to yourself or take them elsewhere.

BTW: I'm not an owner of Pigeons.com, I'm a Moderator.

Cindy

[cyro51]

Snowbird,

The personal remarks that you direct at Cindy and other members are really not acceptable on pigeons.com.

On the subject of dog and cat bites I would have thought you would have welcomed this opportunity to explain the sudden change in your own view of the use of antibiotics. Until June this year you were yourself very much in favour of the use of antibiotics for dog and cat bites as these extracts from your previous posts show:

(though any wound from another animal would generally mandate antibiotics) 7 May 2004

The topical antibiotic is good but the bird needs internal antibiotics without any doubt because the saliva of a dog is highly toxic to pigeons. 27 April 2004

Cats, dogs, ferrets, etc. (any contact with their saliva mandates antibiotics) 20 April 2004

If the dog ever gets a mouth on the bird you need to run a full course of antibiotics even if there is no serious injury--dog saliva is highly toxic to a bird. 8 April 2004

The bird definitely does need a round of antibiotics since the saliva from a cat is highly toxic to birds.March 2004

It is apparent to me that your change of view started when your vet told you antibiotics were not necessary when a pigeon had been attacked by a blue jay. I don't understand how this translated into your current strong view that antibiotics should be withheld when there is a real danger of septicemia, but would be interested to hear how it happened.

Cynthia

[Snowbird]

Since you erase anything I post that you don't care for, why should respond to you now--no reason. The pigeons.com country club is just as fascist as macarthyism. Why didn't you let Cyndy defend herself--you have allowed her to attack others on many occasions. (And there was no insult or etiquette violation in the post you just completely deleted).

[cyro51]

Snowbird,

The only 2 posts of yours that I have ever deleted have been the ones that breached the courtesy rules.

I cannot remember Cindy ever breaching the courtesy rules.

Perhaps if you read the forum rules you would understand and conform to them rather resorting to insults whenever you are corrected.

Cynthia

[AZWhitefeather]

Why didn't you let Cyndy defend herself--you have allowed her to attack others on many occasions.
No one prevented me from responding to your comments towards me Dano. In fact, I did reply. I even posted your quotes. So there was no reason to even bring that up.
If any member feels I have 'attacked' them in any way, they are most welcome to address the issue.

If you have a grievance about my performace on this site, I would suggest you contact Carl, as he is the owner & you can discuss it with him.
Let's utilize this space for what it was intended, helping our fine feathered friends.

Cindy