Hexamita (spironucleosis) in pigeons
Other names: Hexamita، Young bird diarrhea
Symptoms
- Watery and foamy diarrhea in young birds, wasting, thirst
How it spreads
Fecal-oral.
Diagnosis
A fresh warm fecal smear under the microscope.
Treatment
Nitroimidazoles as for canker under the veterinarian's supervision. [Update 3] Harlin & Wade 2009: Hexamita (Spironucleus) columbae mainly in young birds, primary or after adeno; diagnosis by a fresh fecal smear. Treatment is ronidazole or metronidazole for 7 days - caution: pigeons that urinate heavily can be poisoned by the dose in water; severe cases need bacterial coverage (trimethoprim or enrofloxacin).
Prevention
Clean waterers.
Treatment and doses are decided by an avian vet after an exam; Zajel does not publish doses.