What Are the Causes of Lipomas in Birds?

Lipomas are fatty noncancerous tumors that are found in a many animals including birds. They are commonly found on birds' chests and bellies, though they may also appear in other areas. Avian lipomas may range in size and severity, and may become infected. Though all types of birds may get lipomas, budgies, cockatiels, cockatoos, Amazons, galahs and rosellas are especially susceptible to fatty tumors. In addition to heredity, weight and diet are primary causes.

  1. Lipoma Diagnosis

    • If you have a bird with a lipoma, the most important step is to get an accurate diagnosis from your veterinarian. This will confirm that the tumor in question is in fact a lipoma and not a malignant growth. Once a diagnosis is made, your veterinarian will most likely be able to determine the cause of the lipoma. Because the type of bird, his weight and his diet are key causes, your veterinarian will evaluate these factors in determining why your pet developed a lipoma. Based on the size and severity of the lipoma, you veterinarian will also advise you if treatments such as dietary changes or surgery are needed to treat the condition.

    Genetic Predisposition

    • If your bird is active, eats a balanced diet and appears healthy, his lipoma may be caused by heredity. If your bird is a variety that is prone to this type of fatty tumor, he has a genetic predisposition that causes fat deposits to form. Though there is nothing you can do the change this factor, keeping your bird active and on a low-fat, well-balanced diet with a quality source of vitamin E is likely to keep a lipoma from growing larger and will possibly prevent additional lipomas from developing.

    Excessive Weight

    • Birds that are overweight or obese are more likely to develop lipomas than fit birds. This is because an abundance of fat in the systems of birds is likely to accumulate subcutaneously in various areas of the body. Though lipomas that develop open sores or infections are likely to require surgery, minor lipomas may shrink in size when overweight birds lose weight. Exercise and low-fat diets are important factors for birds with lipomas that are caused by excessive body weight.

    Diet

    • Diet is a key factor in the formation of avian lipomas, primarily because poor diet can lead to obesity in birds. Providing a low-fat diet that consists of pellets and a variety of vegetables and fruits will help your bird maintain a healthy weight. In addition, providing extra vitamin E will also reduce your bird's risk of developing lipomas. Once your veterinarian has determined that your bird's lipoma is not serious and does not need to be removed surgically, making these dietary changes will likely prevent any lipomas from growing and may even make them shrink or disappear altogether.