The African Grey parrot is a very common pet bird and therefore it suffers from common pet bird aliments, including fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease is exactly what it sounds like, fat deposits on and around the liver begin to replace healthy liver tissue. The liver can become so engorged that it pushes on other organs in the bird's body.
Symptoms of Avian Liver Disease
A bird suffering from avian liver disease will often become lethargic. In African Grey parrots, feathers that are normally gray may begin to appear red instead. Other visual cues include a distended abdomen, softening of the beak and nails, diarrhea and trouble breathing. In some advanced cases, parrots have been known to have seizures as a result of toxins building up in the blood stream.
Treatments for Fatty Liver
Since fatty liver disease is almost exclusively brought on by obesity, diet and exercise are the most common cures. African Grey parrots will be put on a balanced diet by their avian veterinarian, which will usually consist of organic, dye free pellet food with green leafy vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cabbage and broccoli. Fresh sprouts may also be added to the diet, especially if the bird is weaning off of a seed based diet.
Nutritional supplements may also be added to the parrot's diet by their avian veterinarian. Aloe juice and lactulose, a synthetic sugar that removes ammonia from the blood, are commonly added to the diet of seriously ill parrots.
Regular exercise will also need to be added to the daily routine of an over-weight African Grey. Owners will usually be asked to hold the bird on their hand or arm and lower the bird quickly enough that its wings begin to flap, but not so quick that the bird feels unsteady. Adding exercise to the daily routine of a parrot must be handled gently. Just like with humans, an African Grey has to work up the stamina to engage in a regular exercise routine. Trying to do too much too fast will only over stress the bird and can make things worse, especially in an older bird.
Any parrot that is exhibiting symptoms of avian liver disease should be taken to an avian veterinarian immediately. There are often secondary infections that go along with fatty liver. Such infections should be diagnosed and treated under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Parrots that are not exhibiting symptoms of fatty liver disease, but that are starting to gain weight should also be checked by an avian veterinarian. It is safer and healthy for a bird to begin a diet and exercise routine before they have reached the point of liver disease. Prevention is always the best medicine.
Janine Logue - Logue is a freelance writer with several years experience in the newspaper industry as both a reporter and editor.
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