Avian Medicine Q&A 12

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This budgerigar has a bacterial sinusitis.

Question	Answer		Article
What major nutrient deficiency in seeds would contribute to such a sinus infection in birds?	The specific nutrient deficiency that would contribute to a sinus infection in birds is hypovitaminosis A. Vitamin A deficiency results in the failure of some cells to differentiate normally. In the sinus, the epithelial lining degenerates into squamous metaplasia resulting in a thickening of the mucus that washes the debris from the sinus. This thickening reduces flow rates and allows bacteria and debris to persist on the sinus lining until infection occurs.		Link to Article
How would you treat the underlying contributory deficiency?	Proper treatment consists of antibiotic therapy for the infection and a single dose of 20 000 IU vitamin A per kg body weight i.m., followed by supplementation of the diet with vitamin A. Treatment of the infection without this supplementation renders the bird likely to have a recurrence of the infection.		Link to Article