Pigeon sick - need help

[georgeb]

Hi,
First time here; not a pigeon breeder, I just love these birds.

There is a pigeon that always comes and visits us or shows up especially when it's raining and doesn't find food in other places. Yesterday I've found him looking injured and immediatelly took him in.
I'm not sure if he's been hit or something but early in the day he was allright.
Right now, he's not able to fly. When he's trying to eat, he misses the seeds, looks like he's having trouble seeing but if more seeds are added, he's able to catch one. The problem is that when he's trying to ingest it, after catching it with his beak, he looks as if he's trying to throw it arround his back, with his head shaking all sides towards the back; sometimes he's successful.
After that, his head is kind of twitching in small movements untill he relaxes.

Anyone familiar with this? I'm not sure exactly what to do, except give him fresh water, food and a warm place to sit.

Appreciate any info!
George

[AZWhitefeather]

Originally Posted by georgeb

Hi,
First time here; not a pigeon breeder, I just love these birds.

There is a pigeon that always comes and visits us or shows up especially when it's raining and doesn't find food in other places. Yesterday I've found him looking injured and immediatelly took him in.
I'm not sure if he's been hit or something but early in the day he was allright.
Right now, he's not able to fly. When he's trying to eat, he misses the seeds, looks like he's having trouble seeing but if more seeds are added, he's able to catch one. The problem is that when he's trying to ingest it, after catching it with his beak, he looks as if he's trying to throw it arround his back, with his head shaking all sides towards the back; sometimes he's successful.
After that, his head is kind of twitching in small movements untill he relaxes.

Anyone familiar with this? I'm not sure exactly what to do, except give him fresh water, food and a warm place to sit.

Appreciate any info!
George

Hello George,
It sounds like your little visitor is displaying PMV ( Paramyxovirus) symptoms.
First, I would suggest isolating him in a small animal carrier or box with a towel lined heating pad, set on low. Place him in a quite, warm, dark area, away from family or animal traffic.

PMV is a virus that affects a pigeon's central nervous system.
I would also suggest you offer him seed in a fairly deep dish, as this will enable him to pick up & consume seeds more easily.
Keeping the bird as stress free as possible will reduce these symptoms.

Here is a link to a website that explains PMV.

www.chevita.com/tauben/e-index3.html
On the right side, click on Paramyxovirus infection.

I have a 'recovered' PMV pij that has become a member of our family & is doing wonderfully.

Please keep us posted on how your feathered patient is doing.

Cindy

[Lin Hansen]

Hi George,

Welcome to Pigeons.com and thank you so much for trying to help this ill pigeon.

We have many knowledgeable members here who I am sure will be able to help you and should be along shortly to give you some good advice.

In the meantime, I have found a previous thread which may help in identifying what is wrong with your pigeon. I am no expert but from what you are descibing, it sounds like it may be a possibility that the bird may have PMV...the link I've provided contains much information about the symptoms, treatment, etc. Read it and see if you think that this may be the problem..Just click on it:

http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/showthread.php?t=9335

As I said, just sit tight....I'm sure others who will be able to help will be along shortly.

Good luck and thanks again,
Linda

[Reti]

Hi George,
hope you find the links that Cindy and Linda gave you useful.
Also you've got some good advice frome them.
I want to add one thing. If your pigeon has indeed PMV, which sounds very likely, you can give him some calcium and vitamins in the water every day.
I know it is hard to get hold of an antibiotic and an antiinflammatory but it seems that the antiinflammatory helps with the symptoms.
PMV (paramyxovirus) is a viral disease, there is no cure for it, the treatment is only for the symptoms.
It might take a long time for the pij to recover and many of them never do. But they can live happy lives with proper care.
For now make sure he is eating, and drinking and kept warm.
Also, if you have other birds do not allow them to come in contact with the pigeon.

Please feel free to ask any questions you might have.
Thank you for caring for this little guy.

Reti