The rule of thumb that I follow and recommend is: Use what supplements that you are comfortable with; and medicate as little as you can get by with.

There are certain medications we SHOULD use during the races. The main one is an anti-trichomonas medication such as ronidazole, or metronidazole. This should be given every week or two and for a 2 day regimen only. Here, we're trying to suppress the trichomonas without taxing the liver of the pigeons more than necessary.

Remember that when trichomonas numbers go up, performance goes down proportionately. This is proven fact. It is also known that even though we give the birds a full course of trichomonacide before the season, the trichomonads tend to reappear and increase in numbers as the races progress.

Another medication that is used routinely during the races is to keep respiratory infections at bay. In many cases, it is unnecessary to medicate for respiratory infection (ornithose complex). In lofts where it is a chronic problem it becomes necessary to treat for a full course then treat for two days a week during the races to keep it from returning.

Here, treat during the early part of the week so that the pigeons can recover from the medication. Commonly we use tetracyclines or a combination of tetracyclines and Tylan.

Some authorities consider it prudent for all flyers to medicate after each race, for ornithose complex, because the birds get exposed in the baskets. Most pigeons in top condition and health are quite resistant to contracting infections so this can be unnecessary, in my opinion.

In areas where Haemoproteus is a problem, one should have treated a full 28 days before the season and then follow up with 1-2 day per week treatment, during the race season, using one of the antimalarial drugs.

It seems that the drugs we give the pigeons don't adversely affect them, but whenever the liver is taxed with the job of metabolizing durgs, it cannot function at it's maximum.

The liver is very much a "key player" in energy storage and conversion during the race; and utilizing it to the maximum is vital to achieving the super form and optimal performance in our racers. By giving the drugs we must use, early in the week, we give the pigeon time to rebound and come into it's best form at the end of the week when we ship.

Dr. David E. Marx D.V.M.