Liver Disorders in Birds

The liver is an important organ that is involved with digesting food, storing, and filtering blood, and many other metabolic functions. Because it has so many functions, a healthy liver is critically important for the health of all avian species. Liver disease can occur at any age and in any avian species, but is most common in cockatiels, budgies, Amazon parrots, lories, and mynah birds.

What causes liver disorders in birds?

Liver disorders can be caused by infections (bacterial, fungal, viral, protozoan, and parasitic), tumors, metabolic disorders, circulatory disturbances, nutritional deficiencies or excesses, and a variety of toxicities such as heavy metal toxicity, mycotoxins (toxins from mold), plant toxins, and toxic chemicals.

Diets composed of mainly seeds and peanuts are commonly associated with fatty liver disease in pet birds. Frequent consumption of processed foods like pasta, crackers, bread, and/or cookies will also lead to the development of fatty liver disease in parrots. Fatty liver disease may lead to cirrhosis (scarring) or fibrosis (excessive fibrotic tissue buildup) of the liver.

What are the clinical signs of liver disorders in birds?

If your bird is suffering from a liver disorder, you may see vague signs such as fluffed feathers, listlessness, depression, and/or anorexia (decrease in food consumption). Birds with advanced liver disease often exhibit wet, mushy droppings, yellow or green-stained urates (urates are white in a healthy bird), increased thirst, regurgitation, difficulty breathing, and/or a swollen, puffy abdomen.

Because the typical clinical signs are non-specific and go along with many different diseases, diagnostic tests are essential to help your veterinarian determine the cause of the symptoms. Some liver diseases, such as chlamydial infections, may be contagious to humans and other parrot species, so sometimes veterinary care is critical for the health of all family members.

If your bird shows any sign of illness, consult an avian veterinarian as soon as possible, as many signs do not appear until a problem has become advanced.

How are liver disorders in birds diagnosed?

A veterinarian familiar with birds will start with a complete history, obtain your bird’s body weight, and perform a physical examination. Several tests can help your veterinarian determine the nature of your bird's condition.

• A complete blood count (CBC), which counts white blood cells and red blood cells, may reveal infection, dehydration, anemia, and/or the presence of toxins.
• A blood chemistry test may be used to measure your bird’s liver enzymes to determine if liver damage is present.
• Bile acid levels may be checked to assess how the liver is functioning.
• Serology and specific DNA tests may be used to identify specific infectious diseases, such as chlamydia, polyomavirus, Salmonella, or fungal infections.
• Radiographs (X-rays) may be used to assess the size, density, and position of the liver.
• Ultrasonography is limited to larger birds (macaws, large cockatoos), but it can be used to assess some abdominal organs, including the liver, depending on the size of the patient.
• Laparoscopy uses an endoscope with a camera inside the body to directly view the size, shape, and color of the liver.
• Liver biopsies may be required to determine the condition of the liver at the cellular level. A pathologist will assess the biopsies to diagnose the state of the liver and, hopefully, the cause of the disease.

Unfortunately, some diseases in birds are not recognized by the owner in time and become fatal. In this instance, a diagnosis is made by performing a necropsy (a veterinary autopsy).

How are liver disorders in birds treated?

The range of treatments for liver disorders varies depending on the specific problem and may include modifying the diet, nutritional supplementation, increased exercise, and possibly hospitalization with supportive therapy (fluids and vitamins). In the case of an infectious cause of the liver disease, antibiotic, antiviral, or antiparasitic medications are prescribed as needed.

Sometimes, the condition cannot be cured, only managed to improve the bird’s quality of life. The use of homeopathic or natural products may be beneficial to support an ailing liver but should only be used under the guidance of an avian veterinarian.