Crop stasis and regurgitation in racing pigeons
Harper, F.D.; Wallis, A.S.
Veterinary Record 133(8): 196
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 8236722 Document Number: 416693
The condition which occurs in young racing pigeons typically affected two thirds of the birds within 48 hours of the return from a race. Affected birds show a hunched up appearance, a full doughy crop, increase in thirst and regurgitation of crop contents, and often soft, greenish, slimey droppings. PM examination revealed retriculated proventriculitis and eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions in the liver. Routine laboratory examinations have revealed no consistent pattern of abnormality but where there was intercurrent infection with Coccidia, Trichomonas, Hexamita, Candida or, Salmonella clinical signs may be more severe. In uncomplicated cases, withholding of food for 24 to 36 h followed by a light diet, led to complete recovery. In severe cases specific treatment of the intercurrent infection including furaltadone (2 g of 20% powder dissolved in 1 litre of drinking water), with the inclusion of a balanced electrolyte mixture in drinking water seemed to be beneficial. It is suggested that because of the sudden onset of the condition over an extensive area of the UK and its apparent lack of spread within a loft, the condition may be due to a widespread infection activated by the stress of physical exertion.