Head over Tiels

 

Some common Health Problems in our Birds

Dietary Fats

Fats contain roughly twice the calories of either protein or carbohydrates. If we look no further than the calorie content of fats, we might think that restricting fats in the diet will prevent obesity. However, this is only partly true because not all fats are the same and not all fats are obtained from the diet; the liver itself produces several fats required for body function.

Many people, including veterinarians do not yet distinguish between fats. They still do not understand that the right fats are a necessary part of the diet and the lack of those fats is a contributor to FLD. The other side of that same coin is that when the right fats are avoided, then fat calories are substituted with carbohydrates, an excess of which also contributes to FLD.

Some fats are dangerous to health and some fats are critically necessary for maintaining good health. Some fats make birds fat and others help birds to burn fat stores. The wrong kinds of fats can contribute to fatty liver disease and the right kinds of fats can help to prevent and reverse the disease.

Necessary Fats

Essential Fatty Acids are necessary for a host of body functions including fat burning metabolic activity, which occurs in the mitochondria of each cell. Mitochondria are structures inside a cell that provide energy by metabolizing oxygen and nutrition. A sluggish metabolism causes obesity and fat storage.

Omega 3 and Omega 6 oils are essential. They must be undamaged, unheated,
and unprocessed in order to be useful to the body. Omega 6 oils that are
heated will convert into trans fats that cause damage in the body.

The primary Omega 3 oil is LNA-Alpha linolenic acid (food source: flax, hemp, pumpkin, walnuts, chia, dark leafy greens, purslane), which the body converts into EPA-eicosapentaenoic acid (food source: cold water fish oil and algae) and from there into DHA-docosahexaaenoic acid (food source: fish oil and algae) and then into prostaglandins.

The primary Omega 6 oil is LA-Linolenic acid (food source: corn oil,
sunflower oil, safflower oil), which is converted by the body into GLA-gamma
linolenic acid (food source: evening primrose and borage oil) and AA (arachidonic acid) and then into prostaglandins.

Both Omega 3 and Omega 6 are each transformed by the body into different
kinds of prostaglandins, which are necessary for growth, tissue repair,
energy production, and fat metabolism. Prostaglandins are not stored in the
body. They are converted from EFAs as needed, so EFAs must be provided in
the diet on a daily basis.

Stress, pollution, nutritional deficiencies, sugar consumption, viral infections, and other conditions can interfere with the liver's ability to convert Omega 3 and Omega 6 oils. So, supplementing with oils that contain DHA, EPA, and AA, helps the body receive the benefits even if the liver is unable to convert.

GLA fats (food source: borage, evening primrose, safflower) stimulate the mitochondria in certain kinds of fat cells, which makes them burn fat rather than store fat.

In her book Eat Fat, Lose Weight, Ann Gittleman cites a study that used two groups of mice. The mice were prone to obesity and diabetes. Both groups were fed the same amount of calories and fat. The only difference was that one group of mice was fed Omega 3 oils and the other group was fed Omega 6 oils for their fat allotment. At the end of the study, the mice fed Omega 3 oils weighed 66% less than those fed Omega 6 oils.

The bottom line is that the inclusion of certain kinds of fats in the diet is necessary. Many of these fats are missing from our captive birds diets. Some species seem to have higher requirements for these fats than others; and those species seem to be most prone to dietary causes of FLD.

It is true that all fats contain roughly twice the calories of either protein or carbohydrates. Calories are an important consideration in weight loss. If more calories are being consumed than are being used, then weight cannot be lost. However, do not eliminate fats from the diet or the appetite will not be satisfied and the metabolism will slow down to compensate for the lack of fats in the diet.When a low fat diet is required, ensure that the fats consumed are Essential Fatty Acids.

Choline and Biotin Deficiency

Choline is a B vitamin that is essential for the proper metabolism of fats. Without choline, fats become trapped in the liver. Food sources of Choline include: lecithin, wheat germ, egg yolk, liver, and green leafy vegetables. Numerous animal studies have shown fatty liver is one of the classic signs of choline deficiency in animals.

Obesity

Excess caloric intake can lead to obesity and consequent infiltration of fat into the liver. Two ways to deal with over-consumption of calories would be either:

  1. Restrict the total amount of food fed, leaving the bird hungry for much of the day.
There is more to body metabolism and obesity than just calories. Physicians and nutritionists have long known that insulin, for example, is an element of weight gain. Insulin resistance is also becoming recognized as a factor in the development diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease.

Excess carbohydrates, particularly those with a high glycemic index, send a flood of glucose into the body, which triggers a flood of insulin to compensate. Excess insulin causes blood glucose levels to drop sharply, which creates hunger. When high glycemic carbohydrates are decreased, less insulin is secreted, the blood fat profile is improved, and food craving is reduced.

  1. Feed nutrient dense foods that satisfy the appetite, provide needed nutrition, and serve as exercise, occupation, and treats.

    This should be less difficult to accomplish for birds than for your own family. It involves feeding a variety of fruits and vegetables during the day, followed by modest amount of nuts, and/or pellets as the last feeding of the day.

 

Diagnosis

The Manual of Avian Practice by Rupley lists clinical signs of fatty liver diseaseas:

Obesity (overweight)
Anorexia (underweight, not eating)
Depression
Enlarged abdomen (may indicate an enlarged liver)
Dyspnea (labored breathing)
Diarrhea
Bilverdinuria (green tinged urine from oxidized bile pigments. It is a product of the breakdown of old red blood cells.)
Hepatic encephalopathy - (brain disorder from the liver disease causing seizures, muscle tremors, and ataxia)
Poor feathering
Overgrown toenails and beak

Diagnosing liver disease includes a physical examination, x-rays to determine liver enlargement, and blood chemistries:

AST - Aspartate Aminotransferase (also SGOT - Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase) is an enzyme present in many body cells and organs. An increase indicates cell and organ damage.

Bile acids are contained in the bile. A portion is excreted as waste after fat digestion, and the rest is reabsorbed in the intestines. Low bile acid levels are seen in some forms of liver disfunction (accompanied with poor feather condition, overgrown beak and nails) and high levels are seen in other liver disease.

LDH (Lactase dehydrogenase), cholesterol - elevated levels can indicate liver problems, but other factors can cause increased values, as well. Also, increased values can indicate other diseases. LDH levels rise and fall faster than AST levels, so together they may indicate whether or not the disease is chronic.

Total protein - low values are seen in some liver disease.

Albumin - is normally the largest components of total protein seen, when protein is separated via electrophoresis. Other protein fractions include: Immunoglobulins - IgA, IgB, IgG and IgM . Each immunoglobulin has a normal value and will be increased or decreased in different diseases. If any of the other fractions are increased, there will be a corresponding decrease in albumin as compared to total protein. Increases in IgA, IgB, or IgG plus a decrease in Albumin can indicate liver disease.

Definitive diagnosis of liver disease often requires liver biopsy. However, birds with advanced liver disease may have bleeding problems, which prevent the use of this procedure. A test for clotting time should be taken before considering a liver biopsy.

Conventional Treatment

Lactulose is used to reduce blood ammonia levels, retard absorption of toxins from the digestive tract, establish normal intestinal flora, and decrease the load on the liver.

Lipotropic nutrients - (lipotropic: lipo-fat; tropic-move) Methionine, choline, and vitamin B12 are sometimes administered to help the liver metabolize fat. Vitamin K is administered to offset bleeding problems. Broad spectrum antibiotics are also often prescribed. However, the toxicity of the antibiotic plus the bacterial die-off will put an additional burden on the liver.

According to Ritchie, Harrison, and Harrison, certain by-products from the breakdown of protein act as false neurotransmitters. For this reason, protein-rich diets in patients with liver disease frequently trigger a brain disturbance known as hepatic encephalopathy. Lactulose can help to prevent and treat this disorder if it isn't too severe.

Tube feeding, supplemental heat, and fluid therapy may be required for birds in critical condition.

Holistic Approach

If the bird is critical, tube feeding, supplemental heat, and fluid therapy, as described above, is necessary to stabilize the bird. A combination of lactulose and milk thistle are administered as part of the therapy. Vitamin K are administered to improve clotting time.

If the bird is not critical, the following three steps are followed:

  1. Detoxification - to reduce the load on the liver.
  2. Diet therapy- carbohydrates are mainly chosen from fruits and vegetables. Grains and starchy foods such as pasta and  sweet potatoes are extremely limited.
  3. Herbal and nutritional therapy

Detoxification

The following herbs are important to a liver detoxification program. By cleansing the blood and other system organs, the liver is relieved of some of its burden:

  • Burdock is a blood purifier and aids kidney function.
  • Red clover is a blood purifier that helps to eliminate metabolic waste products.
  • Milk thistle. Silymarin is the active constituent of the milk thistle plant. It protects the liver by inhibiting factors responsible for liver cell damage. Silymarin can also alter the structure of the outer walls of liver cells so poisons can't penetrate. Silymarin stimulates protein synthesis of the liver cells, and inhibits depletion of glutathione. It is a powerful antioxidant and lipotropic agent and has been shown to stimulate the growth of new liver cells.

    According to Dr. David McCluggage DVM, "Milk thistle protects the liver and heals liver cells. Milk thistle is one of the best herbs for liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, acute toxicosis of the liver and fatty liver disease. It is also beneficial for the bile duct inflammation and is a potent anti-oxidant.

    Glutathione is one of the most important hepatic detoxification pathways of the body, and milk thistle increases glutathione content in the liver by up to 35 %." An extract of this herb can protect the liver from one of the most deadly liver toxins known, the death cap mushroom (toadstool, Amanita phalloides). He also recommends the rice-based, intestinal support product, UltraClear Plus, for liver detoxification.

  • Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaves contain caffeoylquinic acids such as cynarin. Like milk thistle, artichoke extracts have demonstrated an ability to protect the liver and promote its regeneration.
  • Lemon water benefits bile formation and helps regenerate the liver.
  • Psyllium, high in fiber, cleans the intestines by binding toxins and removing them.
  • Chlorella, an algae, has been shown to lower levels of total liver fats and glycogen. Rats fed chlorella had less liver damage and recovered faster when fed a liver toxin, than rats without chlorella. Scientists Wang, Lin and Tung found a 5% chlorella supplement was sufficient to be protective.
    Dandelion root. According to Michael Tierra, author of The Way of Herbs, "The chief benefits of this herb are exerted upon the function of the liver. It has the capacity to clear obstructions and stimulate the liver to detoxify poison," Dandelion is a diuretic that helps flush toxins from the kidneys by increasing urine output. It not only stimulates bile flow, but also helps release bile from the liver. Much of the beneficial action of this herb on the liver and blood results from its high content of easily assimilated minerals, including potassium. The German Commission E reports that the root and leaves stimulate bile production, diminishing l! iver congestion
  • Schizandra strengthens and protects the liver through regeneration and detoxification. It helps to relieve fatty degeneration of the liver.
  • Turmeric. This common spice helps regenerate liver cells and cleanses the liver of toxins. Turmeric increases the production of bile and is a potent anti-inflammatory. Turmeric increases levels of two liver-supporting enzymes: glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and UDP glucuronyl transferase (UDPGT).
     

This may seem like quite a list, but the majority of these herbs are combined in a product already available on the market, which has proved to be a lifesaver for many birds. It is called Detoxifying Formula Aloe Vera Gel. It is manufactured by Natureade.