The thing i'm seeing the most of is a condition called Pseudomembranous Stomatitis. Is that a mouthful or what? Lets analyse that name. The first word means a false membrane.

The second word means in the oral cavity (mouth and throat). So a false membrane in the mouth or throat is what it describes. What causes this? Herpesvirus. It usually attacks the younger young birds. It is extremely debilitating as it makes it extremely painful for the bird to eat and drink. The usual cause of death is starvation and debilitation.

The symptoms are visual--a raw rough looking lining of the mouth and throat. It looks like a membrane over the normal mucus membranes. Sometimes it looks reddish sometimes whitish. It does not rake off if you try, and bleeding results if disturbed. The pigeons get very sick-looking...ruffed feathers, bleary eyed, and uninterested in eating. They will die in a few days.

If one intervenes and tube feeds these youngsters, most will survive. It takes a week or so though. The Herpesvirus that causes this is always around pigeons. Most are exposed and overcome Herpesvirus. The younger ones are more susceptible so this is where it shows up the most. I have seen it in one yearling, but by far, it is usually in the younger young birds.

Treatment is limited. It is difficult to do anything for the virus per se. Supporting the nutritional needs is most important. Using an anti-trichomonas drug and an antibiotic can help as secondary infection is a problem.

The main concern is to stop the spread. Most spread occurs through the water and contaminated feed. Keeping a disinfectant in the drinking water usually abbreviates the outbreak.

I recommend using 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoonsful of household bleach (Chlorox) to a gallon of water. Use this only after or before you give any other drug. Never at the same time. I like to keep them on this for 10-14 days and then the outbreak is usually over.

 

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