Haemochromatosis

[timotian]

Haemochromatosis:

 

Haemochromatosis is a condition in which excessive amounts of iron are deposited in the liver parenchyma.

birds affected are commonly members of the toucan, toucanette, mynah and starling families.

in the wild these species often live in iron poor soil areas, and their digestive systems are therefore adapted to absorb as much iron as possible.

when presented with an iron rich diet, especially with high levels of vitamin C, which encourages iron absorption from the gut, too much iron is absorbed.

this iron is then deposited in the liver, leading to liver damage and failure.

clinical signs include ascites, dullness, dyspnoea(due to the ascites pressing on the air sacs), abdominal swelling and sudden death.

diagnosis is based on breed predilection and clinical signs, but frequently requires a liver biopsy to assess iron levels. this can be a dangerous procedure, particularly if the bird has ascites.

there is then a real danger of rupturing air sacs and drowning the bird.

reference: www.persianpet.org