SIDENOTE: Gout

I said I would do a bit of research and update with some information about gout. Here it is...enjoy!

Gout is the buildup of uric acid crystals in the body of a bird. It is commonly seen in birds who have been fed a diet that is too high in protein (greater than 20-25%), calcium, or vitamin D-3 or in birds who have been fed a diet that is too low in vitamin A. This disease is diagnosed by a test which reveals high uric acid levels in the blood. Birds develop these abnormally high levels of uric acid when the glomeruli (filters) in the kidneys are not functioning properly.

There are two types of gout: Visceral and Articular (also known as synovial). Visceral gout is when the uric acid crystals build up in internal organs. The organs affected are the liver, spleen, pericardial sac, the kidneys, and the air sac. Birds who are diagnosed with this form of gout do not live very long. Articular gout is when the uric acid crystals mainly affect the joints. Birds with this form of gout live longer but may experience pain and/or stiffness in the joints, which can be treated.

Gout can also be either primary or secondary. Primary gout is when the high levels of uric acid are caused by abnormal protein breakdown, whereas secondary gout is when the kidneys cannot adequately separate uric acid.

The unfortunate truth about this disease is that it cannot be cured. The damage that is done by the time a bird has been diagnosed with gout cannot be reversed. Gout can, however, be treated although treatment will only lessen the pain and/or help the bird live longer.

SOURCES:
Hines DVM PhD, Dr. Ron. "Gout in Birds." http://www.2ndchance.info/gout.htm

Foster, Dr., Smith, Dr., Educational Staff "Gout in Birds: How to Recognize the Signs in Your Bird." http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=571
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Feel free to comment and ask if you've got any questions that I haven't addressed in this post. If I don't know the answer, I will most certainly find out and get back to you!