Magnesium sulphate | Pigeon Paradise

World's largest meeting place for pigeon fanciers

A A A

Dr Boddaert Wim	Dr Gyselbrecht Carlo	Dr Lanckriet Ruben	Dr Lanneau Pascal
Dr Schroeder Vincent	Dr Van Der Cruyssen Johan	Dr Van Rompaey Karlo	Dr Werquin Guy

Disease

Symptoms

Treatment

Other

A question about a disease or a symptom you're not familiar with?

Can epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) cause liver damage?

I am a Veterinarian in the United States. I am involved in several pigeon discussion groups, and have run into an interesting dilemma. Someone posted a message that epsom salts can cause liver damage in pigeons, and that the birds cannot fly very long by using epsom salts. I can find no reference to liver disease in pigeons due to epsom salts, and this person decided to argue with me over this point.
I was wondering if you have ever heard or read any articles about this? If I am wrong I am willing to admit it, but I can find no evidence of epsom salts causing liver problems.

question by: Fred J Wright

answer by: Wim Peters

Epsom salt is Magnesium Sulphate - as you say - and is a laxative. It is commonly used by some fanciers in South Africa as it appears to increase performance of the birds . Why - I do not know but suspect that it might have something to do with increased efficiency due to the extra magnesium.
Sometimes it is used at a very strong concentration (with sugar) causing severe purging. 10 to 14 days after this the birds do well if the race is easy but they can be lost in a hard race. Maybe, following the shock to the system the health picks up??? I do not recomend the use of Mg SO4 unless in very small dosage.
I have never seen liver problems following its use and doubt that it damages the liver.

© 2012 PigeonParadise bvba · disclaimer