What to Do When a Pigeon's Eyes Are Watering? Detailed Explanation of Treatment Methods
Pigeon eye cold is a disease that recurs easily and affects the eyes and respiratory tract of pigeons, so the condition must be brought under control promptly. Let's look at the causes of watery eyes in pigeons and the treatment methods:
Symptoms of watery eyes in pigeons
Scratching the eyes is the first symptom to appear in sick pigeons; usually they scratch only one eye, as well as the side of the head next to that eye. The conjunctiva becomes infected, starts to redden and water, and the tears gradually turn into a cloudy purulent discharge. Next, respiratory symptoms begin to appear; at first they are not very obvious, but later they become obvious and severe.
The pathogen then attacks deeper tissues, further infecting the lungs and air sacs; the sick pigeon then shows symptoms of difficulty breathing, repeatedly making a cackling, rattling noise and sounds similar to sighing.
After entering the secondary infection stage, pus-forming bacteria follow the inflammation of the conjunctiva as well. Without treatment, these bacteria cause inflammation of the entire eye, further destroying the eye and leading to blindness. Sick pigeons also show the typical symptoms of poor appetite and green droppings, lose weight, become very thin and weak, and die soon afterward.
In chlamydial pigeon disease, apart from concurrent bacteria, sometimes fungal infection (Aspergillus Fumigatus) worsens the condition, mainly causing necrosis and inflammation of the air sac walls and the reticular tissue on the surface of the lungs. During necropsy, severe inflammation of the lungs, air sacs, peritoneum and pericardium is usually seen, along with an enlarged spleen showing a typical sluggish shape. If unilateral eye cold occurs, the entire loft of pigeons must be treated, and follow-up treatment can last up to 30 days.
Transmission routes of watery eyes in pigeons
Sick pigeons shed bacteria in nasal fluid, saliva or droppings, and infection occurs through the air or by eating feed or drinking water containing the bacteria.
Treatment methods for watery eyes in pigeons
Ensure good ventilation in the pigeon loft, clean frequently, and change the water frequently.
Swollen eyes and unilateral eye cold in pigeons are generally infections of Mycoplasma or Chlamydia in poultry. Antibacterial drugs are needed for treatment. The following can be used for reference:
1. Use erythromycin-type drugs, such as “Lijunsha”, given orally, 1/4 tablet per pigeon each time, doubled for the first dose (1/2 tablet), once each morning and evening, combined with metronidazole (to prevent and treat trichomoniasis infection), used in the same way as “Lijunsha”, for 3 to 5 consecutive days;
2. Pigeon medicines. Pigeon medicines for treating Chlamydia and Mycoplasma infections, and medicines for treating trichomoniasis infection (to prevent and treat trichomoniasis infection); these two types of pigeon medicines should be given separately, about half an hour apart. Because the ingredients of pigeon medicines are unknown, taking them at the same time may result in too large a dose and harm the pigeons;
3. Use ciprofloxacin hydrochloride eye drops in the pigeon's eyes at the same time. Erythromycin-type drugs have relatively good efficacy against Mycoplasma and Chlamydia.
What kinds of pigeon eyes are there
The Chinese Pigeon Association divides pigeon eyes into three types according to the different colors of the ground substance.
1. Yellow eye: an eye whose base color is yellow or golden yellow, with red surface granules.
Yellow eye is also called chicken-yellow eye or persimmon eye. It is mainly yellow, with surface granules in orange-red, red or purplish red. The blue part in a yellow eye is relatively small; some yellow eyes show green at the ground substance, and this green is the effect of blue seeping in. Yellow eyes can further be divided into (light yellow eye, yellow eye, deep yellow eye).
2. Sandy eye: an eye whose ground substance is white, with red surface granules.
Sandy eye is also called peach-blossom eye or pearl eye; peach-blossom eye is mainly blue, with surface granules in rose, blue-purple and deep purple. Sandy eyes can further be divided into (light, medium, deep sandy eye).
3. Bull eye: an eye that is pitch black, with almost no color distinguishable.
Bull eye is also called red eye, blood eye, kerosene eye, variegated eye or mandarin-duck eye. In the red granules of a red eye, the red pigment exists in a hidden state, while the yellow and blue pigments become auxiliary colors. Bull eyes are further divided into (purple-base, brown-base, blue-base bull eye and mandarin-duck eye).
Unilateral eye cold in pigeons starts as conjunctivitis when it first occurs, beginning on one side. Therefore, breeders should pay attention to observing the condition of their pigeons, promptly detect abnormal signs, take measures, and treat them in time.