Difference between revisions of "Iron Storage Disease - Birds"

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(Created page with "Category:To Do - Siobhan Brade [[Category:Birds] Category:Birds - Alimentary System =Introduction= This disease is common in pet '''toucans''' and '''mynahs'''. It is th...")
 
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=Introduction=
 
=Introduction=
This disease 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.   
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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=
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Merck & Co (2009) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' (Ninth Edition), ''Merial''<br>
 
Merck & Co (2009) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' (Ninth Edition), ''Merial''<br>
 
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''
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[[Category:To Do - Siobhan Brade]]
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[[Category:Birds]]
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[[Category:Birds - Alimentary System]]
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[[Category:To Do - Manson review]]

Revision as of 11:14, 10 July 2011

Introduction

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

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

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

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.

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.

Control

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

References

Merck & Co (2009) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Ninth Edition), Merial
Forbes NA & Altman RB (1998) Self-Assessment Colour Review Avian Medecine Manson Publishing Ltd