Mary Allen
Gout is a disease not uncommon in caged birds. Depending on where the purine crystals mainly settle, a distinction is made between visceral gout, kidney gout, and joint gout. The first two forms have no visible symptoms, but are dangerous and almost always result in the sudden, premature death of the birds. Only rarely does the owner notice in time that something is wrong with his birds. Joint gout, on the other hand, causes visible symptoms and is therefore treatable.
What are the Symptoms of Gout in Birds?
Infested birds have visible white or yellowish small nodules on the feet and toe joints. In addition, the affected area feels warm. You also notice that every touch is painful for the bird. If only one foot is affected, it is noticeable that the bird often spares the affected foot and only stands on one. Sometimes seizures also occur.
What are the Causes of Gout in Birds?
In general, every form of gout is due to a disturbed purine metabolism in the body. If the kidneys do not break down purines, uric acid stones (purines) build up in the tissues or joints. If this happens to birds, it is primarily due to poor nutrition. It is often too rich in fat and/or too rich in protein. But toxins that the bird has ingested with food or when nibbling around can also trigger gout. Another possible trigger is not drinking enough water or not enough vitamin A in the diet.
How is Gout in Birds Diagnosed?
The veterinarian can diagnose joint gout relatively easily from the small nodules mentioned. If they are missing and there is only swelling and heat, then there may also be other causes such as tumors, inflammation, or abscesses, which must be clarified by a blood test. This is when the uric acid level is too high. A veterinarian can also diagnose visceral gout or renal gout by means of endoscopy or a tissue sample
How Can Gout in Birds be Treated?
Unfortunately, there is still no cure for gout in birds. However, there are various therapies that can slow down the progression of the disease and mean that the birds do not have to suffer unnecessarily. These therapeutic measures include:
- Administering drugs with the active ingredients colchicine and allopurinol
- Administration of vitamins A and B 12
- Administration of additional minerals and trace elements
- Administration of electrolyte solution via the drinking water.
In the case of visceral and renal gout, however, in over 90 percent of cases, the disease is not diagnosed at all or is only diagnosed after the animals have died.