There have been several requests to discuss avian nutrition. Proper nutrition is of utmost importance for both man and animal, however there is a special significance for pet birds due to their rapid metabolic rate. Because of their increased nutritional needs, pet birds manifest signs of malnutrition quickly and many times with devestating results. Over the next several columns we will discuss some common avian nutritional disease conditions and their correction.

Malnutrition is the most frequently diagnosed disease condition in pet birds and many of the other diseases that are diagnosed actually may have developed due to a poor level of nutrition, providing lowered resistance to disease causing organisms. It is not that bird owners knowingly undernourish their pets, rather they are unfamiliar with the means of providing a balanced diet. Quite often we see birds that are 'seed junkies' eating only one particular type of seed to the exclusion of all else. This leads to the development of medical problems and potentially premature death. The only way to insure a good long life for your pet bird is to provide a balanced diet , such as a pelleted food, and if a seed eater, proper supplementation.

Obesity with resultant fatty liver disease is one of the most common nutritional diseases that we see in pet birds, particularly in budgerigars (parakeets). This is due to the high fat seed diet that they normally consume. Traditionally, birds have been provided with seeds and water as their main diet. This is woefully inadequate. Perhaps it was convenient to feed dried seed, but in the wild birds eat a more varied diet, eating dried seeds only in a time of hardship. Seed is high in fat (leading to obesity and binding to calcium leading to lowered blood calcium) and low in vitamin A (which helps to provide resistance to disease).

If the fat content of the diet is too high the fat accumulates in the bloodstream and is deposited throughout the body, especially in the liver, as well as the causing development of fat deposits/obesity. The fat slowly infiltrates into the liver over time so that there is less and less functional liver tissue left until normal body metabolism is disrupted and the bird is subject to secondary disease. The bird may even be unable to withstand simple stress and sudden death can occur. As this fat accumulates , it forms fat deposits on the chest and abdomen so that the bird has a buxomy chest or belly. Due to the excessive weight the bird may be unable to fly or tires easily. Fat accumulation may also occur around the heart, interfering with normal function.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF FATTY LIVER DISEASE IN A BIRD??
1) OBESITY - Overweight birds have fat deposits on their chest and abdomen.

2) OVERGROWN BEAK - -The beak grows rapidly and abnormally. This is indeed a danger sign. Many bird owners bring these birds in for a routine beak trim not knowing that the bird could easily stress or even die during a routine procedure due to the abnormal liver condition. If you are uncertain that the overgrown beak of your pet is due to fatty liver (especially parakeets and cockatiels) have it checked by your avian veterinarian.

3) BLACK SPOTS (HEMORRHAGE) ON THE BEAK AND TOENAILS - The black spots are areas of hemorrhage, like bruising. Due to the compromised liver function, the bird's blood does not clot properly.

4) ENLARGED FATTY LIVER - Unable to be detected with the naked eye, must be manually examined, usually during the physical examination.

Most birds with this condition show all or most of the above clinical signs. Regular physical examinations with blood testing are very important to detect this disease before it gets to a crisis state. Many times blood tests will show excessive fat in the blood (lipemia), low red blood cell count (anemia) and yellow colored plasma (jaundice) indicating liver disease. Identified early this disease can be treated. Ideally through proper nutrition, it should be prevented. The best means of preventing fatty liver disease in pet birds is to provide your birds with a nutritionally complete and balanced, either home-made or commercial (such as pelleted bird food). Unfortunately a bird is reluctant to change from familiar foods, especially if it appears different such as pellets. In a future column we will discuss balanced diets and the means to convert seed eaters to them.

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