Plasma biochemistry in pigeons experimentally infected with Salmonella

Ten pigeons were crop inoculated with 1 x 10(9) colony-forming units of Sal monella typhimurium var. Copenhagen and observed during 28 days. Ten sham-i noculated pigeons served as noninfected controls. Clinical signs after Salm onella infection consisted of polydipsia, polyuria, and diarrhea. Morbidity was 90%, but there was no mortality. All inoculated pigeons showed fecal e xcretion of Salmonella for at least 7 days. Biochemical analysis of plasma samples taken at 3-day intervals indicated decreased concentrations of crea tine kinase (CK)-MM and CK-MB isoenzymes and elevated total protein and alp ha- and gamma -globulin values. No consistent changes in the level of 17 ot her blood parameters were observed. After 28 days, all pigeons were necrops ied. Gross lesions and bacteriologic and histologic examination indicated s epticemia in all Salmonella-inoculated pigeons. Results indicate that Salmo nella septicemia in pigeons induces only limited changes in biochemical blo od parameters. Decreased CK concentration was a consistent finding, however , and may therefore be a useful aid in the diagnosis of salmonellosis in pi geons.