Pijy

[AlanTH]

Hi to all

I have a young 5-6 mnth cock pigeon. He is showing signs of drunk or dizzy he also turns his head and lays it on his back, and only eats small sead (wheat)he's drinking ok.. and dosn't want to fly any input greatly appreciated

Regards worried owner

[TAWhatley]

Hi Alan! What you describe are classic symptoms of PMV (paramyxovirus). It is extremely contagious and the bird should be isolated from any others that you have immediately. There are other things that also cause such neurological symptoms, but they are also contagious, so definitely isolate this bird.

Keep it warm and stress free. It needs food and water in fairly deep bowls in order to eat and drink. You may find that hand feeding is also required. If this is PMV, it is a virus and there is no treatment other than good supportive care which includes antibiotics to stave off any secondary bacterial infections.

Please examine the mouth and throat to be sure the bird does not have canker (whitish/yellowish cheesy looking growths).
What do the droppings look like?

Please post back when you can but definitely get this bird isolated and warm and quiet.

Terry Whatley


[This message has been edited by TAWhatley (edited June 27, 2003).]

[AlanTH]

Hi TAWhatley

Thank you for your reply but unfortunately it is PMV... I have done quite a bit of scouring on the net for information

The color of her droppings are mucusy with dark green center she is also soiled around her vent…

Unfortunately I caught it to late she was unable to hold her head up and stumbling. Crop feeding didn’t have any effect on her I did isolate her into a box with heat lamp But she didn’t make it

I also have a PIED cock which is her mate who now is showing the symptoms but they are some what different to the hen the pied is eating and drinking really well and is not soiled around the vent but he is showing signs of dizziness.. I have isolated him to a new heated loft box. The antibiotics that you talk of what are they called so I can stock up on them..

Once again thank you for your information

Regards AlanH

[TAWhatley]

Hi Alan,

I'm very sorry that PMV has gotten your birds. The antibiotic usually recommended is Baytril. It is available from most of the on-line pigeon supply sites or can be obtained from your vet.

Best of luck in saving the rest of the birds and please keep us posted.

Terry Whatley