Update To Roller Pigeon’s Mystery Ailment

The following story was shared with us by Olive’s Place Dove & Pigeon Sanctuary, Inc. in Oklahoma.

Recap: Roller pigeon Fenimore was found abandoned on a sidewalk after a poultry show. We used EmerAid IC Omnivore to supplement her quick transition to self-feeding. She remained obese, unable to fly, and appearing as a juvenile for many months, without a known cause.

Update: Fenimore and three other pigeons (for control data) were tested for hormone function at the Boren Veterinary Clinic at Oklahoma State University by Dr. Nicola Di Girolamo and colleagues. This test showed definitively that Fenimore suffered from primary hypothyroidism – the first pigeon (and only second avian subject) in the literature to present with this condition.

Upon starting daily medication, she became more energetic, lost weight, and began her first adult molt. Due to the rapidity of her weight loss and extremity of her molt, we immediately reduced the dosage.

Fenimore underwent several additional blood tests in the following months to monitor her hormone levels and calibrate her dosage. She takes this medicine each morning, and will for life to manage her condition, but she is otherwise a completely normal, healthy pigeon.