citypark pigeon w/neck torsion: update, new issue

[CyberFinch]

Walter is coming along nicely. The anitbiotic round will be done soon. He does seem to spend a lot of time sleeping, which I hope is a symptom of healing, as it usually is. Also, he sits up a bit more, with a little more control of the neck torsion.

Now, to deal with the next problem. I've noticed that the area from his nostrils to where the feathers on his head should begin looks naked and flakey, with a few pin feathers coming in. It doesn't look normal when compared to pigeon pictures. According to the pictures, It should be beak, nostril, then feathers but with him there is this strange naked patch. I've done the research but am not coming up with anything. I know that pet birds can get feather mites and other parasites that can lead to loss of feathers. Is this a possibility? It might also be a reason he prefers to keep his right eye closed, since it is so close and could have picked up whatever infestation may be brewing on his nose.

Any suggestions for treatment? Thanks again to all the pigeon lovers. You rock!

[Trees Gray]

Hi Cyberfinch,

Is this a PMV pigeon?

Sleeping means his body is expending all energy reserves for healing. Just keep him warm and as comfy as possible.

Mites will definitely leave bald patches on the neck and around the nose. You should check for mites, and you can use a parakeet spray formula, which is more gentle than the average lice and mite spray. You can spray it on a cotton swab first, and then apply gently, being very careful not to get in the eyes. I would not recommend Scalex, at this point, as it might be too strong.

This may be a scaley mite, that can also affect their legs and feet. Does this pigeon have very protruding scales on the feet, with a frosty look?


As far as the eye being closed, that may or may not be related to mites. Do you think he might have injured the eye with the neck torsions?

Are you hand feeding Walter? Make sure he is getting all his nutrients, in a good avian mutli-vitamin. A little extra vitamin A and calcium would be beneficial.

Be sure to put him on an avian pro-biotic when the antibiotic rounds are done.

I'm sure the PMV experts will be along to help you shortly. They will have more information and advice. I'm reluctant about stressing out this bird with any product recommendations, like Scalex.

Treesa

[CyberFinch]

Hi Treesa and thanks for responding. Yes, this is the St. Louis pmv pigeon of a previous post. I started a new one for this particular problem.

I figured he was sleeping to heal. He's really doing quite well. Stands on one leg without falling over and reacts far less strongly to me when I enter the room. He does a pretty good job at eating and it appears he's been drinking although I have supplemented the drinking with a syringe 1-2 times a day (which he's fighting more and more) just in case. He has a fair amount of poo which is a khaki green with the whipped cream effect. He's getting an avian multi-vitamin mix in his water and will get the pro-biotic as soon as possible.

I happen to have a parakeet mite/lice spray (not Scalex) because I own finches and parakeets as well (don't worry, the pigeon is islolated in my guest bathroom with full spectrum lighting). The only issues seeem to be on his nose. His legs look healthy and normal so I'll start on the nose with the cotton swab.

As for his eye, the only symptom is an ever so slight swelling on the lower lid and he keeps it closed more than the other. The eye is clear, he definitely sees me out of it, no discharge, etc. In the last few days, he's opening it far more often so hopefully, whatever it is it's slowly healing.

That's about it for right now. Thanks again!

[Trees Gray]

Hello Again,

I will see if the PMV experts can add anything, ok?
Treesa

[cyro51]

Hi Cyberfinch,

I have never come across this but Alison, on our fprc Yahoo group has a PMV pigeon and she said that she found it sleepy and unresponsive. The suggestions put forward were that either the torticollis had reduced the flow of blood to the brain or it had suffered a mini stroke.

All I can recommend is that you continue to
give it warmth, quiet and low protein food with multivitamin supplements! This is a condition that takes time to settle.

Cynthia

[Christina Coughlin]

The missing feathers above Walter's nose sounds to me like he possibly got picked on by another bird. I see it once in a while with my flock when there was a little squable over something. And him keeping that eye closed would also be another clue to that thought. I wouldn't be to worried about the missing feathers but do watch that eye.

Christina

[CyberFinch]

Thanks to all you pigeon angels for the input! My mom is a long time critical care nurse and she says, "sleep is God's best medicine." So, I am letting Walter pigeon sleep as much as he wants.

With regards to the nose, I've done a mite treatment and will just watch it. New pinfeathers are coming in so we'll see where that leads. As for the eye, it seems to be less acute than before and he does use it more to see who this woman is that swooped him out of the park and from the edge of the road. So again, we'll just watch and see.

Have a great evening!

[Trees Gray]

Thanks for the update, Cyberfinch.

He does sound like he is improving, if there is feather growth going on then his body is trying to rebuild as well as heal.

His energy reserves will increase, to the point where his sleeping time will be less and activity will increase. Until then, let him be comfy & cozy, in the warmth of your love and care!

Treesa