Medicines for pigeons
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Albert Put from Alken wonders about advertisements of all kinds for pigeon medicines. Especially with regard to drugs for trichomoniasis and “head sickness” (so called).
A treatment for 1 to 2 days, and this every two weeks, is recommended. However the author of the letter raises the question of whether this is effective? In other words: is it possible that such a germ of disease, caught during competitions (transport baskets), can be effectively combated by means of such a short course of treatment?
How does the disease proceed, how long does the germ survive, when is the best time to fight it? His last question concerns a junior who had very watery droppings all winter long. On the day of mating the droppings returned to normal, however after the separation of the sexes they were again very liquid. Can this be avoided? What is it exactly?
I would like to begin by making a few considerations concerning the advertising campaigns organized by certain companies for products for pigeons which most often are not even medicines.
We are bombarded with all kinds of products which basically have no therapeutic value and which the pigeons do not need to be or stay healthy or to win first prizes.
It is often a question of taking advantage of the credulity of certain pigeon fanciers. Indeed, vitamins, amino acids, minerals and trace elements are necessary to guarantee an optimal diet.
Teas or other herbal preparations are helpful. Grit, pecking stones and mineral powder are required. Everything else can be dangerous because they are not real therapeutic drugs for which, if one sticks to the ethical rules of the medical profession, no advertising can be made. We can therefore sincerely ask ourselves questions about the need for all these preparations for pigeons. Following the scheme proposed by some companies, we see that the pigeons only receive pure water one day a week. Regarding the question, I can tell you that a cure for trichomoniasis during the racing season is indicated especially for young pigeons. A complete cure per month and at the right dose (not half but a full dose) is indeed recommended because it is not possible to do a complete season without trichomoniasis.
Anyone who says the opposite and claims to be able to keep his pigeons free of trichomonosis for 3 to 4 months without preventive treatment, can tell 10 veterinarians. Nobody will believe it.
Regarding “head disease”, the previous answer does not apply.
“Head disease” as well as inflammation of the small membrane are not exactly defined medically in the carrier pigeon. These are not real contagious diseases in the proper sense of the term like trichomoniasis because the “circumstances” in which these diseases develop also play a crucial role and not only and simply the germ of the disease. “Head disease” affects pigeons housed in unfavorable conditions, during transport or when returning to the loft. Cold wind, rain and hail are not contagious agents but rather favorable factors allowing the development of certain germs and specific lesions. If such pigeons are given antibiotics for a long time, then the bacteria will be killed but sinus and upper respiratory tract lesions such as cleft palate will not be cured.
Weeks of rest in an ideal loft with a pleasant temperature are necessary for the pigeons to regain the upper hand.
A bad competition can therefore reduce an entire season to nothing! Pretty packets and little sachets of miracle powder have little or no value. If false hope can be a consolation, then yes!
Many pigeon fanciers, just like us veterinarians, know this phenomenon all too well.
In pigeon medicine, there is no more difficult problem. We are far from effective solutions here. Preventive treatments at the beginning of the season and a so-called vaccination against “head disease” are ineffective. This is not possible and does not yet exist. Antibiotic injections, maybe, but they’re not vaccines. Besides, they are only active for one day.
For the one year old pigeon with liquid droppings when separated and normal when mated, it is a nervous problem. It has nothing to do with an infection due to bacteria or a virus, but it is usually a sign of nervousness and inner tension.
Dr. L. Mathijs
Instructions:
If the advertising campaigns of certain pigeon product companies are to be believed, then the latter hardly ever have the opportunity to drink pure water again!
[ Source:Article edited by Dr. L. Mathijs – PIGEON RIT Review]
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