Avian Gastric Yeast in Pigeon

[Slishie925]

Hi everyone, I’ve never used this forum before, I hope this is the right place to post this.
I have a pet pigeon named Diamond. I took him to the vet for a checkup recently and we found out that he has yeast in his system. The doctor wasn’t able to tell me if this was serious or not, and basically just told me to put apple cider vinegar in his water for a month, and bring another fecal sample in for her to test next month. I’ve been doing some googling, and it looks like gastric yeast is actually very serious and I’m extremely concerned. Diamond is fine at the moment, muscular, lots of energy, eating and drinking fine. But his mate, Opal just died unexpectedly two weeks ago from what I am now starting to suspect was also yeast….although I don’t know for sure. I’m trying not to panic, but I’m really scared right now. How serious is this? And is there anything other then apple cider vinegar that I can give him to make sure this doesn’t get out of control? This bird is like my kid, I can’t handle losing him too. Thank you - Ellie

 

[Shezbug]

Hi Ellie/Ben


AGY can certainly be serious.

There may be some information in this thread for you- sorry I have not double checked as I am in the middle of a few things at the moment but I will try to remember to come back later and see if others have helped you out too.

Avian Gastric Yeast- Sad Update- Post #19

Does anyone know if this is what AGY looks like under microscope? My vet says it’s highly suspicious of AGY but it’s not a very definitive answer. PCR test for AGY was negative and now we are sending out two fungal cultures to get more info. My budgie has been on ampho for 20+ days and this is...

forums.avianavenue.com

 

[WillowQ]

ACV is the first, home treatment for mild gastric yeast. Basically it works by lowering pH; and it really does work. But if the infection is really rampant or the bird has some other health issue predisposing to yeast overgrowth, then I would think an antifungal would be the next step.

BUT Apple cider vinegar, especially “live with the mother” should help many cases. It’s a very reasonable treatment and better to not bring on the “big guns” if you don’t need to.

I guess I would request more help if it’s not working or if the bird is getting worse.

 

[WillowQ]

Here is a link to a nice short article about avian gastric yeast :

https://nilesanimalhospital.com/files/2012/05/Megabacteriosis-Avian-Gastric-Yeast.pdf

this paper discusses using gut supplements containing lactobacillus to decrease pH in crop and gut in order to treat avian gastric yeast, as well as apple cider vinegar. if it brings up any ?s feel free to ask them.

 

[WillowQ]

Error

 

[Pixiebeak]

There are different kinds of yeast. Candida being the more common one, that can get out of balance. Did the vet actually says AGY???? Which is more a mega bacteria

Because from his recommendation I'm thinking candida.

You might find this link useful.
Graphic content warning! The link contains necropsy pictures, pictures of internal organs and deceased birds.

Dropping Interpretation

For fanciers, often the first indication that a problem is present in their birds is a change in their droppings. All birds, including pigeons, are able to mask health problems quite well. In the...

www.auspigeonco.com.au