Deflation treatment of sub-cutaneous emphysema in a blue rock pigeon (Columba livia)
Author(s): Deeptimayee Pattanayak, K Senthilkumar, Mohamed Shafiuzama and M Palanivelrajan
Abstract: Subcutaneous emphysema is known as a disorder caused by air escaping from the respiratory system (air sacs, lungs and trachea) and the air accumulated and trapped under the skin and subcutaneous tissue. A male blue rock pigeon weighing 250g of one year age presented to Avian and Exotic Pet Unit (AEPU), Madras Veterinary college, TANUVAS with a history of dullness, anorexia, swelling of neck and thoracic region, difficulty in swallowing and breathing for fifteen days. There was no history of any previous treatment. On physical examination the trapped gas could be felt and it was diagnosed to be a case of Sub-cutaneous emphysema of unknown etiology. A 20 G hypodermic needle was introduced gently to the inflated area as a means to reduce the buildup of air under the skin of chronic avian subcutaneous emphysema and the gas was aspirated completely to bring the bird to normal appearance Needle punch was done over several areas of the skin for considerable reduction of trapped air volume. The cannula was fixed as such for a week to prevent further accumulation of gas. The area was dressed with povidone iodine. Medical management was done with oral administration of Enrofloxacin @15mg/kg to prevent secondary bacterial infection for three days. The bird recovered eventually with no evidence of subcutaneous emphysema.
How to cite this article:
Deeptimayee Pattanayak, K Senthilkumar, Mohamed Shafiuzama, M Palanivelrajan. Deflation treatment of sub-cutaneous emphysema in a blue rock pigeon (Columba livia). Int J Vet Sci Anim Husbandry 2024;9(5S):70-72.