PIGEON DISEASES


Pigeon Fever

 During the past few months we have seen a large number of horses in our practice area with “Pigeon Fever”.
 It is a disease caused by specific bacteria called Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis. It has absolutely nothing to do with pigeons other than the fact that the affected horses often look like they have a “pigeon breast” due to the swelling and abscess (boil) formation in the chest area. It is believed that the bacteria are transmitted by biting flies or possibly migration of parasites. The most common places for the abscesses to form are in the chest and belly region, the sheath of males and the udder of mares, although the abscesses can appear almost anywhere. These infections are often noticed just as generalized swelling of the chest or belly which is called “edema” (fluid retention under the skin). As the abscess progresses, a more discrete smaller swelling will often appear within the generalized swelling which is the actual abscess coming to a head. The horse generally does not appear ill, but can show lameness and stiffness if the abscesses involve the legs. These swellings can be quite painful especially when touched or squeezed.

  Treatment 

 These abscesses must eventually be opened and drained to the outside. The abscess can take one to several weeks before they are mature enough to open. Hot water compresses, 10-15 minutes twice a day, and ichthammol ointment are two methods that can be used to hasten the maturation process. Often the abscess will soften in the center prior to rupturing. They can rupture spontaneously but often need to be opened with a surgical blade. If the abscess does not seem to soften after a week or if the horse is very lame or painful we can find the abscess with a long needle and then lance it. Once the abscess is open and draining it should be flushed out once or twice daily with betadine solution. If good drainage has been established these abscesses will usually heal within two weeks without complications. The spread of these pigeon fever abscesses internally to the abdominal or thoracic cavities is the most serious complication that we see and only occurs rarely. Penicillin, if used, will only delay the maturation process and is only administered under special circumstances. With the coming of cold weather and the end of fly season, the incidence of pigeon fever will decrease dramatically.

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