Symptoms of Liver Disease in Parrots

Although liver disease is the most common disorder diagnosed in parrots, it's completely preventable. Liver disease results from inadequate nutrition, specifically consuming too much fat. A diet primarily of seeds is very high in fat, causing obesity and leading to dangerous deposits of fat in the liver. Parrots in captivity do not have the energy needs of their wild counterparts, and their diets should reflect a more sedentary lifestyle. If fat accumulates in the bloodstream, some of it gets deposited in the liver, which eventually destroys the tissue in that vital organ. Recognizing the signs of liver disease may offer an opportunity to halt this debilitating disease.

  1. Overweight

    • To determine if the bird is overweight, feel the parrot's chest area. The breastbone should be able to be felt and the surrounding area should be firm. An obese parrot will also stand on the perch with both feet spread apart to balance. The bird may even appear to be squatting. These are visible signs of obesity, which leads to fatty liver disease.

    Overgrown Beak

    • A parrot's beak is naturally trimmed through eating and chewing on appropriate toys. Since fatty liver disease results from poor nutrition, an overgrown beak may indicate that the bird's diet is not adequate.

    Diarrhea

    • While diarrhea can also be a sign of other medical problems, if the droppings are watery and have a greenish color, this could be a symptom of a more advanced stage of fatty liver disease. The green color is present because of the biliverdin being excreted by a damaged liver.

    Breathing Difficulties

    • As the disease progresses, the liver become enlarged and may interfere with breathing. Visually, the bird's abdomen may appear distended. A manual examination may detect the oversized liver pressing against the chest cavity.

    Blood Clotting Problems

    • In this disease, the bloodstream contains an excessive amount of fat, therefore the normal coagulating properties of the blood have been compromised. A broken blood feather could lead to a hemorrhaging condition.

    Seizures

    • In the later stages of fatty liver disease, seizures may develop. Because of the accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream, the central nervous system is not nourished properly, resulting in a breakdown of the intricate network of communication that exists in the body. Involuntary movements, seizures and disorientation result.