Avian Fatty Liver Disease

03-12-2007, 12:51 PM

BrokenWing Chronicles
A look into Avian Fatty Liver Disease
What is Avian Fatty Liver Disease?
Fatty Liver Disease is also called Hepatic Lipidosis (hepatic-liver; lipid-fat; osis-condition.) The Manual of Avian Practice by Rupley lists Fatty Liver as excessive fat deposited and stored in the liver. In a fatty liver, normal liver cells are replaced with fat. If this continues, the liver can no longer function properly. However the liver has been known to function with even 80% damage and no physical signs. Confirmed diagnosis of liver disease requires the use of laboratory testing procedures.
Obese birds (and people) usually have some fatty infiltration of the liver. Prolonged liver damage may result in the liver becoming fibrotic, eventually leading to cirrhosis of the liver.
What Does the Liver Do?
The liver is a factory engaged in multi-tasking. It is a waste management factory that removes toxins from the body; a recycling and storage factory; and a production factory responsible for transforming raw materials from food into products needed by the body for maintaining health and life. The liver plays a critical role in many body functions. Without a liver, the body will die. Amazingly, the liver is one of the few body organs that can heal and regenerate, if given the proper support.
Detoxification
One of the liver's primary jobs is detoxification or waste management. It either alters toxic substances so other organs, like the skin and kidneys can remove them; or it deals with toxic substances itself.
Hormone Production and Regulation
The liver produces about half of the body's cholesterol. The rest is obtained from food. Cholesterol is needed to make hormones and bile. It is a component of every cell in the body. The liver regulates thyroid function by converting thyroid hormones. It removes other hormones produced by the body when they have completed their job. If they were not removed, the body would become ill. Imagine if adrenaline always stayed in the body. It would never be able to relax. Some hormones are: adrenaline, estrogen, insulin, and various steroids.
Bile Production
Bile, produced by the liver, is necessary for fat digestion. It breaks fat into smaller globules, aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, converts carotene into vitamin A, and is involved in the absorption of calcium. In some birds, bile is stored in the gall bladder. Most parrots do not have gall bladders, but some cockatoos and cockatiels do.
Fat Metabolism
The liver converts fat to energy. Although essential fatty acids must be obtained from the diet, the liver manufactures other fatty acids from protein and sugar molecules. Some of these are cholesterol, lipoproteins, and phospholipids. The liver stores unused fat molecules in the body's fat cells.
It also converts unused carbohydrates and proteins into fats. Digested fat is converted in the intestine to triglycerides, cholesterol, phospholipids, and lipoproteins. These substances are converted in the liver into glycerol and fatty acids, through a process known as ketogenesis.
Protein Metabolism
Protein is composed of combinations of different amino acids. The liver synthesizes amino acids into albumin and other proteins needed to maintain its own structures and processes. It transforms unused amino acids into glucose and then into fat, which it stores.
When breaking down amino acids into glucose, it chemically removes the amine group in a process called deamination. Other proteins it produces include urea (which is excreted in the urine), blood proteins like clotting factors, prothrombin and fibrinogen, which are substances needed to help stop bleeding.
The liver also produces the anticoagulant heparin, which helps to prevent blood from clotting in blood vessels. A liver that is not functioning well may not be able to produce clotting factors, so birds with impaired livers often have bleeding problems.
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Insulin is the transport hormone responsible for moving sugars and fats into storage. And here is an important point: the presence of insulin prevents fat from leaving storage.
After carbohydrates have been broken down into glucose molecules by digestion, they are carried in the bloodstream to be used by the cells for energy. Glucose is the only form of sugar that the body uses. Sugars circulating in the blood stream are toxic to the body, causing damage to many of the body's organs, including the eyes, kidneys, heart, and circulatory system. Therefore, unused glucose must be quickly regulated out of the bloodstream.
This is what insulin does. Insulin moves glucose out of the bloodstream and into cells to be used for energy. If the cells are unable to use the glucose, insulin tells the liver to transform it into glycogen, so it can be stored in the liver and muscles. If there is too much glycogen to store, then the liver converts it to fat and insulin stores it in the fat cells.
Terminology
These first two words look the same, but have quite different meanings:
Glucagon- is a hormone that moves glyogen out of storage.
Glycogen- is the storage form of glucose, which is the sugar molecule that the body uses for energy.
Glycogenesis is the formation of glycogen from glucose, fructose, and galactose. Glycogenolysis is the break-down (lysis means break down) of stored glycogen to maintain blood glucose levels when there is a decrease in carbohydrate intake. In Gluconeogenesis, the liver synthesizes glucose from proteins or fats.
Storage
The liver stores glycogen, vitamins A, D, B12, and iron within itself.
Causes of Fatty Liver Disease
Although it is popular to place much of the blame for fatty liver on an all seed diet, the disease is more complicated than that. Several factors contribute to Fatty Liver Disease. Some of these are
• Damage from toxins
• Malnutrition: Excess dietary carbohydrates
• Excess and the wrong kinds of dietary fats
• Choline and biotin deficiency
• Lack of exercise, excess calories, and obesity
• Thyroid dysfunction.
• Steroid administration (from topical ointments or hormone injections.)
• Stress - the stress hormone cortisol stimulates appetite, which leads to overeating

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Damage from Toxins
Toxins come from several sources and all of them place a burden on the liver. Too many assaults on the liver can overwhelm it. Some do direct damage. Aflatoxins, for example, are a common contaminant in feed from mold. They damage the liver, making it incapable of handling fats. Other toxins:
• Environmental - pesticides, airborne fumes and gases, Teflon poisoning, household cleaning products, disinfectants, cigarette smoke, swallowing metal and plastic, toxic plants, indoor and outdoor pollution.
• Medical - antibiotics, antifungals, over-the-counter and prescription medications including mood altering drugs, sedatives, aspirin, some herbs. All of these contain different degrees of toxins that the liver must process so they do not cause damage to the body.
• Food - additives such as preservatives, dyes, flavorings and scents; pesticide contamination, aflatoxins and molds, allergens, natural plant toxins, spoiled fats, spoiled food, hormones, excess or unbalanced vitamins and minerals. Molds that produce aflatoxins are common in food such as corn and peanuts. A large or sustained load of aflatoxins will damage the liver.
• Metabolism - the liver must filter the body's own metabolic waste material including hemoglobin from ageing red blood cells. Protein metabolism and the fermentation of food in digestive tract produce ammonia as a byproduct. The liver detoxifies ammonia and other metabolites from the bloodstream.
• Endotoxins - are produced by bacteria and fungi as a byproduct of their metabolism. The liver detoxifies them. Some endotoxins, such as those from strains of E. coli are too potent for the liver to handle, and so it will succumb.
• Bacteria - large antigen-antibody molecules are formed when the body's antibodies attach to invading proteins (antigens) such as bacteria, pollen, dirt, and allergens. The liver breaks these down into separate components that can be dealt with more easily.
• Aspergillus fungi are a major contributor to liver damage.
Malnutrition
Excess Carbohydrates
Unlike essential amino acids and essential fatty acids, there is no such thing as an essential carbohydrate.
In nature, carbohydrates are an important source of immediate energy available for active birds, who sometimes fly long distances to forage for food.
Aside from providing energy, carbohydrates serve no other function. They do not build muscle, transport vitamins or nutrients, support the immune system, or contribute to health in any way.
Essential means it must be provided in the diet. As you know from reading the section on liver function, the liver can convert protein and fats into glucose, which it also does with carbohydrates. This process is called glucogenesis. Glucose is the form of sugar/carbohydrate used by the body.
In captivity, birds are not very active. They have no need to forage for food and they have no need for quick available energy to sustain them while foraging and watching for predators. Unused carbohydrates are turned into fat and stored for future use.
Unfortunately, for captive birds, there is seldom any future need for those stored carbohydrates . In fact, the same diet that caused those carbohydrates to be stored will soon provide more carbohydrates for similar storage. Sedentary birds on high carbohydrate diets become obese. From her chapter about malnutrition in Avian Medicine, Principles and Applications, Patricia MacWhirter wrote: "Exercise deprived birds on high energy diets may develop fatty liver infiltration even though carbohydrates, rather than fats, form the major part of energy consumed." (In the context that she is using the word, energy means calories. Often when nutritionists discuss animal feeds, energy means fats.)
Carbohydrates causing the most trouble are those with a high glycemic index, meaning they produce a rapid rise in blood sugar. Foods of this nature are usually either high in starch, low in fiber, and/or processed. This Page lists foods, commonly fed to birds, rated according to their carbohydrate content minus the fiber content.
Every calorie in captive bird diets should contain nutrients that the body needs to perform its functions and maintain health. Substituting junk food treats and starchy carbohydrates for fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables is an invitation to malnutrition and obesity. This means that responsible bird owners should teach their birds to enjoy real food not junk food as treats.

Dietary Fats
Fats contain roughly twice the calories of either protein or carbohydrates. If we look no further than the calorie content of fats, we might think that restricting fats in the diet will prevent obesity. However, this is only partly true because not all fats are the same and not all fats are obtained from the diet; the liver itself produces several fats required for body function.
Many people, including veterinarians do not yet distinguish between fats. They still do not understand that the right fats are a necessary part of the diet and the lack of those fats is a contributor to FLD. The other side of that same coin is that when the right fats are avoided, then fat calories are substituted with carbohydrates, an excess of which also contributes to FLD.
Some fats are dangerous to health and some fats are critically necessary for maintaining good health. Some fats make birds fat and others help birds to burn fat stores. The wrong kinds of fats can contribute to fatty liver disease and the right kinds of fats can help to prevent and reverse the disease. I have written extensively about the importance of Essential Fatty Acids in an earlier article, so here we shall review just the main points:
Necessary Fats
Essential Fatty Acids are necessary for a host of body functions including fat burning metabolic activity, which occurs in the mitochondria of each cell. Mitochondria are structures inside a cell that provide energy by metabolizing oxygen and nutrition. A sluggish metabolism causes obesity and fat storage.
Omega 3 and Omega 6 oils are essential. They must be undamaged, unheated,
and unprocessed in order to be useful to the body. Omega 6 oils that are
heated will convert into trans fats that cause damage in the body.
The primary Omega 3 oil is LNA-Alpha linolenic acid (food source: flax, hemp, pumpkin, walnuts, chia, dark leafy greens, purslane), which the body converts into EPA-eicosapentaenoic acid (food source: cold water fish oil and algae) and from there into DHA-docosahexaaenoic acid (food source: fish oil and algae) and then into prostaglandins.
The primary Omega 6 oil is LA-Linolenic acid (food source: corn oil,
sunflower oil, safflower oil), which is converted by the body into GLA-gamma
linolenic acid (food source: evening primrose and borage oil) and AA (arachidonic acid) and then into prostaglandins.
Both Omega 3 and Omega 6 are each transformed by the body into different
kinds of prostaglandins, which are necessary for growth, tissue repair,
energy production, and fat metabolism. Prostaglandins are not stored in the
body. They are converted from EFAs as needed, so EFAs must be provided in
the diet on a daily basis.
Stress, pollution, nutritional deficiencies, sugar consumption, viral infections, and other conditions can interfere with the liver's ability to convert Omega 3 and Omega 6 oils. So, supplementing with oils that contain DHA, EPA, and AA, helps the body receive the benefits even if the liver is unable to convert.
GLA fats (food source: borage, evening primrose, safflower) stimulate the mitochondria in certain kinds of fat cells, which makes them burn fat rather than store fat.
In her book Eat Fat, Lose Weight, Ann Gittleman cites a study that used two groups of mice. The mice were prone to obesity and diabetes. Both groups were fed the same amount of calories and fat. The only difference was that one group of mice was fed Omega 3 oils and the other group was fed Omega 6 oils for their fat allotment. At the end of the study, the mice fed Omega 3 oils weighed 66% less than those fed Omega 6 oils.
The bottom line is that the inclusion of certain kinds of fats in the diet is necessary. Many of these fats are missing from our captive birds diets. Some species seem to have higher requirements for these fats than others; and those species seem to be most prone to dietary causes of FLD.

03-12-2007, 12:55 PM

It is true that all fats contain roughly twice the calories of either protein or carbohydrates. Calories are an important consideration in weight loss. If more calories are being consumed than are being used, then weight cannot be lost. However, do not eliminate fats from the diet or the appetite will not be satisfied and the metabolism will slow down to compensate for the lack of fats in the diet.When a low fat diet is required, ensure that the fats consumed are Essential Fatty Acids.
Choline and Biotin Deficiency
Choline is a B vitamin that is essential for the proper metabolism of fats. Without choline, fats become trapped in the liver. Food sources of Choline include: lecithin, wheat germ, egg yolk, liver, and green leafy vegetables. Numerous animal studies have shown fatty liver is one of the classic signs of choline deficiency in animals.
Obesity
Excess caloric intake can lead to obesity and consequent infiltration of fat into the liver. Two ways to deal with over-consumption of calories would be either:
1. Restrict the total amount of food fed, leaving the bird hungry for much of the day.
This can easily be accomplished by pellet portioning. But for various reasons discussed in a previous article (Beyond Pellets) and information contained in this article, that approach may be ill advised.
There is more to body metabolism and obesity than just calories. Physicians and nutritionists have long known that insulin, for example, is an element of weight gain. Insulin resistance is also becoming recognized as a factor in the development diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease.
Excess carbohydrates, particularly those with a high glycemic index, send a flood of glucose into the body, which triggers a flood of insulin to compensate. Excess insulin causes blood glucose levels to drop sharply, which creates hunger. When high glycemic carbohydrates are decreased, less insulin is secreted, the blood fat profile is improved, and food craving is reduced.
1. Feed nutrient dense foods that satisfy the appetite, provide needed nutrition, and serve as exercise, occupation, and treats.
This should be less difficult to accomplish for birds than for your own family. It involves feeding a variety of fruits and vegetables during the day, followed by modest amount of seeds, nuts, and/or pellets as the last feeding of the day.
Diagnosis
The Manual of Avian Practice by Rupley lists clinical signs of fatty liver diseaseas:
Obesity (overweight)
Anorexia (underweight, not eating)
Depression
Enlarged abdomen (may indicate an enlarged liver)
Dyspnea (labored breathing)
Diarrhea
Bilverdinuria (green tinged urine from oxidized bile pigments. It is a product of the breakdown of old red blood cells.)
Hepatic encephalopathy - (brain disorder from the liver disease causing seizures, muscle tremors, and ataxia)
Poor feathering
Overgrown toenails and beak
Diagnosing liver disease includes a physical examination, x-rays to determine liver enlargement, and blood chemistries:
AST - Aspartate Aminotransferase (also SGOT - Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase) is an enzyme present in many body cells and organs. An increase indicates cell and organ damage.
Bile acids are contained in the bile. A portion is excreted as waste after fat digestion, and the rest is reabsorbed in the intestines. Low bile acid levels are seen in some forms of liver disfunction (accompanied with poor feather condition, overgrown beak and nails) and high levels are seen in other liver disease.
LDH (Lactase dehydrogenase), cholesterol - elevated levels can indicate liver problems, but other factors can cause increased values, as well. Also, increased values can indicate other diseases. LDH levels rise and fall faster than AST levels, so together they may indicate whether or not the disease is chronic.
Total protein - low values are seen in some liver disease.
Albumin - is normally the largest components of total protein seen, when protein is separated via electrophoresis. Other protein fractions include: Immunoglobulins - IgA, IgB, IgG and IgM . Each immunoglobulin has a normal value and will be increased or decreased in different diseases. If any of the other fractions are increased, there will be a corresponding decrease in albumin as compared to total protein. Increases in IgA, IgB, or IgG plus a decrease in Albumin can indicate liver disease.

Definitive diagnosis of liver disease often requires liver biopsy. However, birds with advanced liver disease may have bleeding problems, which prevent the use of this procedure. A test for clotting time should be taken before considering a liver biopsy.
Conventional Treatment
Lactulose is used to reduce blood ammonia levels, retard absorption of toxins from the digestive tract, establish normal intestinal flora, and decrease the load on the liver.
Lipotropic nutrients - (lipotropic: lipo-fat; tropic-move) Methionine, choline, and vitamin B12 are sometimes administered to help the liver metabolize fat. Vitamin K is administered to offset bleeding problems. Broad spectrum antibiotics are also often prescribed. However, the toxicity of the antibiotic plus the bacterial die-off will put an additional burden on the liver.
According to Ritchie, Harrison, and Harrison, certain by-products from the breakdown of protein act as false neurotransmitters. For this reason, protein-rich diets in patients with liver disease frequently trigger a brain disturbance known as hepatic encephalopathy. Lactulose can help to prevent and treat this disorder if it isn't too severe.
Tube feeding, supplemental heat, and fluid therapy may be required for birds in critical condition.
Holistic Approach
If the bird is critical, tube feeding, supplemental heat, and fluid therapy, as described above, is necessary to stabilize the bird. A combination of lactulose and milk thistle are administered as part of the therapy. Vitamin K are administered to improve clotting time.
If the bird is not critical, the following three steps are followed:
1. Detoxification - to reduce the load on the liver.
2. Diet therapy- carbohydrates are mainly chosen from fruits and vegetables. Grains and starchy foods such as pasta and potatoes are extremely limited.
3. Herbal and nutritional therapy
Detoxification
The following herbs are important to a liver detoxification program. By cleansing the blood and other system organs, the liver is relieved of some of its burden:
• Burdock is a blood purifier and aids kidney function.
• Red clover is a blood purifier that helps to eliminate metabolic waste products.
• Milk thistle. Silymarin is the active constituent of the milk thistle plant. It protects the liver by inhibiting factors responsible for liver cell damage. Silymarin can also alter the structure of the outer walls of liver cells so poisons can't penetrate. Silymarin stimulates protein synthesis of the liver cells, and inhibits depletion of glutathione. It is a powerful antioxidant and lipotropic agent and has been shown to stimulate the growth of new liver cells.
According to Dr. David McCluggage DVM, "Milk thistle protects the liver and heals liver cells. Milk thistle is one of the best herbs for liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, acute toxicosis of the liver and fatty liver disease. It is also beneficial for the bile duct inflammation and is a potent anti-oxidant.
Glutathione is one of the most important hepatic detoxification pathways of the body, and milk thistle increases glutathione content in the liver by up to 35 %." An extract of this herb can protect the liver from one of the most deadly liver toxins known, the death cap mushroom (toadstool, Amanita phalloides). He also recommends the rice-based, intestinal support product, UltraClear Plus, for liver detoxification.
• Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaves contain caffeoylquinic acids such as cynarin. Like milk thistle, artichoke extracts have demonstrated an ability to protect the liver and promote its regeneration.
• Lemon water benefits bile formation and helps regenerate the liver.
• Psyllium, high in fiber, cleans the intestines by binding toxins and removing them.
• Chlorella, an algae, has been shown to lower levels of total liver fats and glycogen. Rats fed chlorella had less liver damage and recovered faster when fed a liver toxin, than rats without chlorella. Scientists Wang, Lin and Tung found a 5% chlorella supplement was sufficient to be protective.
Dandelion root. According to Michael Tierra, author of The Way of Herbs, "The chief benefits of this herb are exerted upon the function of the liver. It has the capacity to

03-12-2007, 12:56 PM

clear obstructions and stimulate the liver to detoxify poison," Dandelion is a diuretic that helps flush toxins from the kidneys by increasing urine output. It not only stimulates bile flow, but also helps release bile from the liver. Much of the beneficial action of this herb on the liver and blood results from its high content of easily assimilated minerals, including potassium. The German Commission E reports that the root and leaves stimulate bile production, diminishing liver congestion
• Schizandra strengthens and protects the liver through regeneration and detoxification. It helps to relieve fatty degeneration of the liver.
• Turmeric. This common spice helps regenerate liver cells and cleanses the liver of toxins. Turmeric increases the production of bile and is a potent anti-inflammatory. Turmeric increases levels of two liver-supporting enzymes: glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and UDP glucuronyl transferase (UDPGT).
This may seem like quite a list, but the majority of these herbs are combined in a product already available on the market, which has proved to be a lifesaver for many birds. It is called Detoxifying Formula Aloe Vera Gel. It is manufactured by Natureade.
Fatty Liver Diet
The typical allopathic veterinary diet for fatty liver disease is a low-fat, pelleted diet with small amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables. Hopefully those who read this article know that such a diet may not help some birds with FLD because pellets provide unsatisfactory nutrition for most bird species. Also, many birds become obese on low fat, low protein pellets because carbohydrates are substituted for the fat and protein calories. As we have learned there are several reasons that this type of nutrition is not ideal:
1. carbohydrates not immediately used for energy are stored.
2. carbohydrates are not an essential nutrient insofar as glucose needed by the body for energy can be obtained from fats and proteins.
3. the source of macronutrients in pellets is usually corn, other grains, and soy beans. These components are not a part of the natural diet of many bird species. They are components of livestock feed intended to fatten livestock for market. Foods alien to a species can contain chemical components and proteins to which the body has not adapted in its evolutionary process. These foods can produce an allergic response that contributes to obesity.
What should be fed instead?
Instead of a pellet diet with small amounts of fruits and vegetables, the diet should consist mainly of fruits and vegetables with limited amounts of pellets. Foods to focus on are those that will help the liver detoxify.
Components
Nutrition for Detoxification
Diets either low in protein or containing unbalanced protein make the liver's job of detoxification difficult. Foods and nutrients that aid in the detoxification process include: Magnesium, Vitamin C, foods rich in Vitamin B2, B5, B6, B12, walnuts, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, citrus peel, egg yolks, garlic, red peppers, dark green leafy vegetables, animal protein, whole unprocessed grains, some legumes, and turmeric.
Lipotropic nutrients and herbs speed up the metabolism of fat. They include specific: Amino acids, Essential Fatty Acids, Vitamins, and Herbs.
Choline is essential for fat metabolism. It helps prevent the deposition of fats in the liver, guarding against fatty liver damage. Animals with choline deficiencies have been shown to develop liver damage similar to that induced by alcohol in humans.
Daily protein is important for liver health and function, raising metabolism by 25 percent to enhance fat burning and activating the enzymes needed to break down toxins.
Glutathione is a molecule formed from three amino acids, two of which are the essential amino acids, methionine and cysteine. Glutathione is required in order for the liver to change fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble toxins, which are then excreted by the kidneys. A heavy toxic load depletes glutathione levels, allowing toxins to build up in the body. Vitamin C helps to maintain glutathione levels. Several other amino acids are critical to the detoxification process. They are glycine, taurine, glutamine, arginine, and ornithine.
Methionine is an essential amino acid that contributes to the formation of glutathione, an enzyme that aids detoxification by making toxins water-soluble. Chronic exposure to drugs and other chemical toxins tend to deplete the liver's supply of glutathione.
Normally, the liver needs protein to repair itself. During detoxification, however, it may be necessary to temporarily decrease dietary protein if blood levels of ammonia are high. (Ammonia is a waste product that can become elevated in advanced cases of liver disease.) In the absence of elevated ammonia levels, balanced protein should be included in the diet to aid liver regeneration. The sulfur-containing amino acids methionine, cysteine and taurine are particularly important.

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Essential Fatty Acids are required to reduce food craving and physiological stress.
• Omega-3 fatty acids to raise metabolism, help flush water from the kidneys and lower triglycerides.
• Omega-6 fatty acids, gamma linoleic acid (gLA) (borage, black currant seed, and evening primrose oils) stimulates the thyroid gland, raising metabolism to burn fat, rather than store it in the body.
Lecithin - is a phospholipid (a form of fat) composed largely of choline. Lecithin not only maintains the integrity of liver cells but also may help regenerate damaged tissue and normalize bile function. It protects the liver against choline deficiency.
L-Carnitine is important because it facilitates the burning of fat for energy. If fatty acids cannot reach the mitochondria where they are transformed to cellular energy, they will be stored as fat.
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). NAC is a form of the amino acid cysteine converted to the important antioxidant and liver-supportive enzyme glutathione in the body. NAC aids detoxification reactions in the liver.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid has been used successfully for the maintenance of liver health and as a treatment for several toxin-related illnesses. ALA has been used extensively in Europe for years as a non-toxic nutrient to treat toxic conditions such as mushroom poisoning, diabetic neuropathy, and elevated liver enzymes. Another benefit of Alpha-Lipoic acid may be its ability to elevate the levels of glutathione (GSH).
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduces the body's ability to store fat, while promoting the use of stored fat for energy. Cattle and chickens that are fed grain, rather than allowed to feed in pastures, are low in CLA, which has caused a dramatic reduction in the amount of available CLA in the American diet in recent years.
Antioxidants - also facilitate liver healing. Supplementing the diet with vitamins C and E and the minerals zinc and selenium can help protect the liver from free radical damage.
Fiber is important for cleansing the intestines of toxins. Encouraging the consumption of fresh fruits and unlimited amounts of fresh vegetables adds fiber and nutrients.
Although this may seem like a large list, the majority of it can be supplied with two supplements.
1. One would be a free amino acid supplement. The Bird Care Company is one place that carries this product.
2. The other is an essential fatty acid supplement containing 2:1 ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6. Udo's Choice oil blend, which can be obtained from the refrigerated section of the health food store, (and must be kept refrigerated to protect the fragile oils,) is a good product.
Alternative Diet Plan
Concepts
It is not advisable to 'fast' obese birds with liver disease because the liver will be forced to overwork by transforming fat to glucose and then have to deal with the metabolic waste products. A reduced calorie, reduced carbohydrate diet is preferred.
Liver cleansing therapies typically emphasize the consumption of simple diets rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and free of processed foods, artificial food additives, preservatives and dyes.They should also be as free from pesticides and pollutants as possible.
Most seeds and nuts should be limited (not eliminated) for obese birds, and the essential fatty acid supplement (cold pressed and kept refrigerated) should be the main source of fats in the diet.
A healthy balance between Omega 3 to Omega 6 should be 2:1. Naturally foraged plants have a better ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6. Unfortunately, fatty acids found in the seeds and grains in the companion bird diet are predominately Omega 6. Pellets contain no Omega 3 fatty acids. Further, the Omega 6 fatty acids they contain are at least partially heat damaged, which means they are no longer healthy. However, plants and seeds like flax, hemp, pumpkin, walnut, chia, purslane, algae, and dark leafy greens are high in Omega 3 fatty acids.
Sample Diet
An ideal generalized diet for many species of fat-prone birds (like amazons, cockatoos, quakers, and eclectus) includes:
40% variety nutrient rich vegetables (broccoli, peppers, squash) and dark leafy greens,
15% fruit (berries, kiwi, orange, apple)
10%, mixture of seeds and/or nuts appropriate for the species,
15% sprouted beans and seeds,
10% whole grains (quinoa, amaranth, certain bird breads, some soak & cooks, limited pellets),
10% animal protein such as egg or thoroughly cooked chicken,
The foods should be rotated to ensure variety.
Supplements: green food (such as chlorella, barley grass, or alfalfa powder), EFA oil blend, such as Udo's (perfect served on leafy greens.) If necessary, a quality vitamin/mineral supplement, and a free amino acid supplement should be sprinkled on the food, not in the water.
Some birds will benefit from the addition of digestive enzymes and probiotics to their dietary regimen. A good digestive enzyme product is Prozyme. Reliable probiotic products can be obtained from the refrigerated section of the health food store and they should be kept refrigerated to ensure the beneficial bacteria are alive. Many probiotic products do not deliver as promised, especially if the product is not refrigerated. Some products designed for pets may not possess the quality and manufacturing standards of those designed for humans.
This diet is suitable not only as therapy for liver disease, but also to prevent liver disease from nutritional causes.
Consideration should be made for individual needs. Some Macaw species require higher fat, for example. Some grass seedeaters (budgies, cockatiels) do not normally consume much vegetation. Some Lory species require higher protein and carbohydrates. Some birds do not react well to certain foods. Always, the needs of individual birds must be well researched, thought out, and accommodated.
Summary
Birds with symptoms of fatty liver disease, such as obesity, poor feather condition, or overgrown beak and nails, should be seen by a veterinarian for further evaluation. Once diagnosis is confirmed, the bird owner's next step is to make a decision about therapy. In order to develop a therapy specific to a bird's needs, the bird owner needs to be armed with appropriate information. This includes:
1. Knowledge about the disease and the metabolic processes involved.
2. Knowledge about foods, nutrients, and herbs to help the bird heal.
3. Understanding about how to change the therapy in response to the bird's changing condition.
4. Knowledge about specific needs of the species and of the individual bird itself.
General information about AFLD plus foods, nutrients, and herbs for therapy are contained within this article. Specific information about the species of bird needs to be researched by the bird owner. An avian health evaluation form located on the HolisticBird website can help the bird owner focus on specifics about the individual bird.
AFLD Therapy involves detoxification and diet. Important aids to the therapy include supplementation with detoxifying herbs, free amino acids, and essential fatty acids. For most birds, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in temperate zone seeds and grains is encouraged.
If the bird owner does not feel capable of developing a therapy for the bird, then I strongly urge consultation with an avian health practitioner. Even then, it is the bird owner's responsibility to follow through with the program and to notify the practitioner of any changes so adjustments to the therapy can be made.
Above all, do not wait until it is too late to help the bird. Symptoms of fatty liver disease often do not become evident until the disease is advanced.
Bird owners can help to prevent the disease by monitoring the components of the bird's diet, providing an environment free of pollutants and stress, thoroughly washing produce so it is free from pesticides, and refusing the unnecessary use of antibiotics and antifungals.
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