Interpreting Blood Work Results for African Grey Parrots
About This Guide
This article helps you understand your African Grey's blood work results. Always consult your avian veterinarian for proper interpretation in the context of your bird's specific health situation. Blood values can vary between laboratories and should always be evaluated alongside clinical signs.
Why Blood Work Is Important
African Grey parrots are masters at hiding illness. By the time clinical signs appear, disease may be advanced. Regular blood testing helps detect problems early when treatment is most effective.
Recommended Testing Schedule
- Young birds (under 3 years): Baseline testing at first vet visit
- Healthy adults (3-15 years): Annual wellness blood work
- Senior birds (15+ years): Every 6-12 months
- Sick birds: As recommended by veterinarian
- Pre-anesthesia: Before any surgical procedure
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
The CBC evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and other cellular components. It helps detect infections, anemia, inflammation, and blood disorders.
Red Blood Cell (RBC) Parameters
| Parameter | Normal Range | What It Measures |
|---|---|---|
| RBC Count | 2.5-4.5 million/μL | Number of red blood cells |
| Hemoglobin (Hgb) | 13-18 g/dL | Oxygen-carrying protein |
| Hematocrit (HCT/PCV) | 40-55% | Percentage of blood that is RBCs |
| MCV | 120-160 fL | Average RBC size |
Low RBC Values (Anemia)
Possible Causes:
- Blood loss (internal or external bleeding)
- Chronic disease or infection
- Nutritional deficiency (iron, vitamin B12, folate)
- Heavy metal toxicity (lead, zinc)
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
Clinical Signs: Weakness, pale mucous membranes, lethargy, difficulty breathing
High RBC Values (Polycythemia)
Possible Causes:
- Dehydration (most common in birds)
- Chronic hypoxia (low oxygen)
- Heart or lung disease
- High altitude adaptation
Action: Ensure proper hydration; investigate respiratory or cardiac function
White Blood Cell (WBC) Parameters
White blood cells fight infection and inflammation. Different types of WBCs have specific functions.
| Cell Type | Normal Range | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Total WBC | 6,000-15,000/μL | Overall immune response |
| Heterophils | 40-70% | Fight bacterial infections (like neutrophils in mammals) |
| Lymphocytes | 20-45% | Viral immunity, antibody production |
| Monocytes | 2-10% | Chronic inflammation, fungal/parasitic infections |
| Eosinophils | 0-3% | Allergies, parasites |
| Basophils | 0-2% | Allergic reactions, inflammation |
Important WBC Ratios
Heterophil:Lymphocyte (H:L) Ratio
Normal Ratio: 1:1 to 2:1
High Ratio (increased heterophils):
- Bacterial infection
- Stress (chronic or acute)
- Inflammation
- Corticosteroid therapy
Low Ratio (increased lymphocytes):
- Viral infection (common in PDD, PBFD)
- Chronic antigenic stimulation
- Lymphoma (if extremely elevated)
Leukocytosis (High WBC)
Causes: Infection, inflammation, stress, leukemia
Action: Identify and treat underlying cause; monitor with repeat blood work
Leukopenia (Low WBC)
Causes: Overwhelming infection, viral disease (PBFD), bone marrow disease, toxins
Action: Urgent veterinary attention required; bird is immunocompromised
Blood Chemistry Panel
Chemistry panels evaluate organ function, electrolytes, and metabolic status. These values are crucial for detecting liver, kidney, and pancreatic disease.
Liver Function Tests
| Parameter | Normal Range | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) | 140-300 U/L | Liver and muscle damage |
| Bile Acids | <80 μmol/L | Liver function (most sensitive test) |
| Total Protein | 3.0-5.0 g/dL | Liver production, nutritional status |
| Albumin | 1.5-2.5 g/dL | Liver production, malnutrition |
| Globulin | 1.5-3.0 g/dL | Immune function, inflammation |
Elevated Liver Enzymes
Common Causes in African Greys:
- Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver): From high-fat diet, obesity
- Hepatitis: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infection
- Toxins: Heavy metals, medications, environmental
- Cholestasis: Bile flow obstruction
- Neoplasia: Liver tumors
Follow-up: Ultrasound, repeat blood work, diet modification, supportive care
Kidney Function Tests
| Parameter | Normal Range | What It Indicates |
|---|---|---|
| Uric Acid | 2.0-8.0 mg/dL | Kidney function (birds excrete uric acid, not urea) |
| Creatinine | <0.4 mg/dL | Kidney function, muscle mass |
| BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) | <10 mg/dL | Limited value in birds (use uric acid instead) |
| Phosphorus | 2.5-5.0 mg/dL | Kidney function, diet |
Elevated Uric Acid (Hyperuricemia)
Possible Causes:
- Kidney disease: Most common cause
- Dehydration: Can elevate uric acid
- High protein diet: Excessive protein metabolism
- Gout: Crystal deposition in joints or organs
- Starvation: Muscle breakdown
Treatment: Fluids, allopurinol (medication to lower uric acid), address underlying cause, diet modification
Gout in African Greys
Chronic kidney disease can lead to gout (uric acid crystal accumulation). Signs include joint swelling, lameness, white deposits on feet, reluctance to perch. Requires aggressive treatment with allopurinol and supportive care.
Blood Glucose and Metabolic Health
| Parameter | Normal Range | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Glucose | 200-350 mg/dL | Blood sugar level |
| Calcium | 8.0-11.0 mg/dL | Bone health, nerve/muscle function |
| Cholesterol | 150-300 mg/dL | Fat metabolism, liver function |
High Glucose (Hyperglycemia)
Causes:
- Stress: Most common cause (birds stress easily during handling)
- Diabetes: Rare in parrots but possible
- Recent meal: Non-fasted sample
- Pancreatic disease: Pancreatitis, tumor
Note: Single elevated glucose often due to stress; repeat testing in calm bird needed for diagnosis
Low Calcium (Hypocalcemia)
Common in African Greys Due To:
- All-seed diet: Very low calcium, high phosphorus
- Vitamin D deficiency: Lack of UVB light or dietary vitamin D
- Egg laying: High calcium demand
- Malabsorption: GI disease
Serious Complication: Can cause seizures, egg binding, weak bones. Requires immediate treatment.
Reference: See our detailed article on Calcium Deficiency in African Greys
Electrolytes
| Electrolyte | Normal Range | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium (Na+) | 140-155 mEq/L | Fluid balance, nerve function |
| Potassium (K+) | 2.5-4.5 mEq/L | Heart rhythm, muscle function |
| Chloride (Cl-) | 105-120 mEq/L | Acid-base balance |
Electrolyte Imbalances
Hypokalemia (low potassium): Causes muscle weakness, heart arrhythmias. Common with chronic diarrhea or vomiting.
Hyperkalemia (high potassium): Dangerous for heart; can be artifact from hemolysis (RBC rupture during collection).
Hypernatremia (high sodium): Usually indicates dehydration; correct slowly to avoid complications.
Understanding Your Bird's Results
Context Is Everything
Important principles:
- Single abnormality: May not be significant; trends over time are more important
- Clinical correlation: Blood work must match clinical signs
- Laboratory variation: Different labs have different reference ranges
- Species variation: Normal values vary between parrot species
- Stress effects: Handling stress affects many values
When to Repeat Blood Work
- Borderline abnormality: Recheck in 2-4 weeks
- During treatment: Monitor response to therapy (2-4 weeks)
- Chronic disease: Regular monitoring (every 3-6 months)
- Stress artifact suspected: Repeat in calmer environment
Common Blood Work Patterns in African Greys
PBFD (Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease)
Blood Work Pattern:
- Low WBC (leukopenia)
- Low lymphocytes
- Anemia (in chronic cases)
- Low albumin
Confirmation: Specific PBFD DNA test required
PDD (Proventricular Dilatation Disease)
Blood Work Pattern:
- Elevated WBC (leukocytosis)
- High lymphocytes
- Elevated AST (if liver affected)
- Low albumin (malnutrition)
- Variable glucose
Diagnosis: Requires crop biopsy or antibody testing
Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Lipidosis)
Blood Work Pattern:
- Elevated AST (often dramatically)
- High bile acids
- Elevated cholesterol
- High glucose
- Low albumin (severe cases)
Risk Factors: Obesity, high-fat diet, lack of exercise
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