Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

'''Achromatosis''' ''aka'' '''the failure to lay down normal feather pigments''' is caused by a variety of '''nutritional deficiencies''' including '''choline''', '''lysine''' and '''riboflavin''' deficiencies.

'''Achromatosis''' ''aka'' '''the failure to lay down normal feather pigments''', is important as it indicates a '''significant underlying nutritional deficiency''', however the level of pigmentation does not reflect the severity of the deficiency. Only in extreme cases do the feathers not

grow at all. A variety of nutrients may be involved including '''choline''', '''lysine''' and '''riboflavin'''.

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

Achromatosis  is caused by a '''lysine deficiency''' in '''dark breeds of chickens''', '''turkeys''' and '''quail'''. It is also caused by a '''riboflavin''' or '''choline''' deficiency in '''growing cockatiels'''. Once rapid growth is complete in these birds, moulting occurs and when feathers regrow they are of a normal pigment.

Achromatosis  is caused by a '''lysine deficiency''' in '''dark breeds of chickens''', '''turkeys''' and '''quail'''. It is also caused by a '''riboflavin''' or '''choline''' deficiency in '''growing cockatiels'''. Once rapid growth is complete in these birds, moulting occurs and when feathers regrow they are of a normal pigment.

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Treatment should be '''supplement with the limiting nutrient'''. Response to clinical signs should be observed in growing birds, with growing feathers demonstrating '''normal pigment'''. Once the rapid growth phase is complete, the nutrient requirements of the bird is reduced. Therefore it may be possible to return to the diet that was originally nutrient-deficient. If the condition is diagnosed at the end of the growth phase then treatment is not normally necessary.

Treatment should be via '''supplementing with the limiting nutrient'''. Response to clinical signs should be observed in growing birds, with growing feathers demonstrating '''normal pigment'''. Once the rapid growth phase is complete, the nutrient requirements of the bird is reduced. Therefore it may be possible to return to the diet that was originally nutrient-deficient. If the condition is diagnosed at the end of the growth phase then treatment is not normally necessary.

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

Prognosis is '''good''' if the underlying nutritional deficiency is addressed, or the rapid growth phase ends (reducing the nutritional requirements of the bird). The birds will moult and grow normal feathers.

Prognosis is '''good''' if the underlying nutritional deficiency is addressed, or the rapid growth phase ends (reducing the nutritional requirements of the bird). The birds will moult and grow normal feathers.

==References==

==References==

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

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

[[Category: To Do - Siobhan Brade]]

 

[[Category:To Do - Manson review]]

[[Category:Dermatological Diseases - Birds]]

[[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]]