Changes

Also known as: '''''Haemochromatosis'''''

Iron Storage disease, '''''aka Haemochromatosis''''' is common in pet '''toucans''' and '''mynahs'''. It is thought to be caused by an excessively large quantity of '''iron''' in the diet, which leads to cellular damage in the '''liver'''. Genetic factors and stress may also contribute to the disease as even if birds are fed on the same diet, not all of the bird are affected by Iron Storage Disease. 

=Signalment=

 

==Signalment==

'''Toucans''' and '''mynahs''' are particularly susceptible to iron storage disease. It is also reported in specific zoo birds including the bird of paradise. It is rarely reported in pet psittacines.  

'''Toucans''' and '''mynahs''' are particularly susceptible to iron storage disease. It is also reported in specific zoo birds including the bird of paradise. It is rarely reported in pet psittacines.  

=Clinical Signs=

==Clinical Signs==

'''Sudden death''' is commonly the only presenting sign - with birds appearing clinically healthy prior to death. If the animal presents alive it may show signs related to liver dysfunction.

'''Sudden death''' is commonly the only presenting sign - with birds appearing clinically healthy prior to death. If the animal presents alive it may show signs related to liver dysfunction.

=Diagnosis=

==Diagnosis==

Radiographs in the living patient may reveal hepatomegaly. Definitive diagnosis is by '''post mortem''', which will reveal a '''hepatomegaly''' with or without a definite bronzed to bluish hue. Other organs are generally unremarkable, however iron deposits are rarely reported in the spleen, kidney, intestine, pancreas and lung, pancreas in that order of decreasing frequency of involvement.

Radiographs in the living patient may reveal hepatomegaly. Definitive diagnosis is by '''post mortem''', which will reveal a '''hepatomegaly''' with or without a definite bronzed to bluish hue. Other organs are generally unremarkable, however iron deposits are rarely reported in the spleen, kidney, intestine, pancreas and lung, in that order of decreasing frequency of involvement.

=Treatment=

==Treatment==

If the condition is diagnosed in the living animal a '''low-iron''', '''low-vitamin C''' (as vitamin C increases dietary uptake of iron) diet should be given. Periodic phlebotomy is also reported as an adjunct therapy.

If the condition is diagnosed in the living animal a '''low-iron''', '''low-vitamin C''' (as vitamin C increases dietary uptake of iron) diet should be given. Periodic phlebotomy is also reported as an adjunct therapy.

=Control=

==Control==

Birds susceptible to the disease such as toucans should be fed a low iron diet.

Birds susceptible to the disease such as toucans should be fed a low iron diet.

=References=

==References==

Merck & Co (2009) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' (Ninth Edition), ''Merial''<br>

Merck & Co (2009) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' (Ninth Edition), ''Merial''

 

Forbes NA & Altman RB (1998) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review Avian Medecine''' ''Manson Publishing Ltd''

Forbes NA & Altman RB (1998) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review Avian Medecine''' ''Manson Publishing Ltd''

 

[[Category:Birds - Alimentary System]]

[[Category:Alimentary Diseases - Birds]]

[[Category:To Do - Manson review]]

[[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]]