In acute liver disease the liver is usually enlarged. The urates (the white area of the droppings) often become green in colour. The bird may be fluffed-up and have watery droppings.
In chronic liver disease the liver may or may not be swollen and the urates may or may not be green. Affected birds may have long upper beaks with bruises on them and bruises on their claws. The bruises are due to poor blood clotting. Some birds may have seizures (fits). Green coloured feathers may become yellow.
The most common cause of liver disease is too much fat in the diet. Healthy liver cells are replaced by swollen pale fatty liver cells that don’t function optimally. The bird is then prone to other illnesses. Other causes of liver disease include toxins such as pesticides, certain plants, metal poisoning from wire and cage furniture, and poisoning from fungal toxins on contaminated seed.
The most common infectious causes of liver disease are bacteria as well as Chlamydophilosis (Chlamydiosis). Other infectious causes include viruses such as Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD), polyomavirus and herpesviruses. Parasites such as trematodes (flukes) and protozoa (Atoxoplasma) can also cause liver damage.
A blood sample for biochemistry and haematology can help determine how much liver damage has occurred. Other specific disease tests include chlamydophila (chlamydia) bacterial cultures and checks for viruses such as PBFD and polyomavirus. Tests are also available for mycotoxins and parasites. Radiographs may also be useful. Sometimes a liver biopsy may be necessary.
A broad diet based on pellets, cleanliness and proper quarantine of new birds is the best way for bird owners to prevent liver disease in their pet birds.
In most cases dietary changes will be needed. This usually includes changing to a pellet or crumble diet from seed. Vegetables and fruit and Australian tree blossoms also need to be added to the diet. In many cases other diseases need to be treated either after several diagnostic tests or as a treatment trial for the most common causes of liver damage. This may mean a course of antibiotics and other prescribed medicines to help the liver.
Supportive care and improved diet
Dietary modification begins with conversion to a planned diet that includes a good ratio of carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber. It enables us to ensure that every aspect of your bird’s diet is met to the highest standard and that no nutrients are lacking. While vitamins and minerals can be added during this dietary conversion process, it is advisable to have a comprehensive and well-balanced diet consisting of a range of prepared foods (pellets), seeds, vegetables, fruit, and grasses (based on species) over the long run.
The liver may or may not swell in chronic liver disease, and the urates may or may not turn green. Affected birds may have bruises on their long upper beaks and on their claws. The bruises are due to poor blood clotting. Some birds may have seizures (fits). Green coloured feathers may become yellow.
The most frequent cause of liver disease is eating a diet high in fat. Swollen, pale, fatty, and less functional liver cells replace healthy ones in the liver. The bird is then prone to other illnesses. Toxins from plants, pesticides, metal poisoning from wire and cage furnishings, and fungal toxins on contaminated seed are some other causes of liver disease.
Along with chlamydophilosis (also known as chlamydiosis), bacteria are the most frequent infectious causes of liver disease. Viruses like polyomavirus, herpesvirus, and Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) are examples of additional infectious causes. Liver damage can also be caused by parasites like trematodes (flukes) and protozoa (Atoxoplasma).
To ascertain the extent of liver damage, a blood sample for biochemistry and haematology analysis can be obtained. Chlamydophila (chlamydia) bacterial cultures and tests for viruses like PBFD and polyomavirus are additional specific disease tests. Tests are also available for mycotoxins and parasites. Radiographs may also be useful. Sometimes a liver biopsy may be necessary.
The greatest method for bird owners to prevent liver disease in their pets is to feed them a wide diet consisting of pellets, keep their surroundings clean, and quarantine new birds properly.
Treatment of specific liver conditions
We are able to offer drugs that address the particular disease process (infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites).
FAQ
What medication is used for liver disease in birds?
Can liver disease be cured?
Can fatty liver disease be reversed in birds?
What is the best medicine for liver disease?