Fatty Liver Disease in Cockatiels
Common but Preventable
Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) is one of the most common causes of illness and death in pet cockatiels. Early detection and proper diet can reverse this condition.
What Is Fatty Liver Disease?
Fatty liver disease occurs when fat accumulates in liver cells, impairing function. In cockatiels, this is usually caused by high-fat, seed-based diets combined with lack of exercise.
Why Cockatiels Are Susceptible
- Often fed all-seed diets (high in fat, low in nutrients)
- Housed in small cages with limited flight
- Prone to obesity
- Rapid metabolism makes liver vulnerable
Clinical Signs
Early Symptoms
- Decreased activity and lethargy
- Weight gain or obesity
- Yellow-tinged urates (normally white)
- Dull, poor-quality feathers
- Slightly decreased appetite
Advanced Symptoms
- Severe lethargy, unable to perch
- Difficulty breathing (enlarged liver presses on air sacs)
- Abdominal distension
- Complete loss of appetite
- Bright yellow or green urates/droppings
- Neurological signs (circling, seizures)
Diagnosis
Blood Work
| Test | Normal | Fatty Liver |
|---|---|---|
| AST (liver enzyme) | 140-300 U/L | Often >500-1000 U/L |
| Bile Acids | <80 μmol/L | Significantly elevated |
| Cholesterol | 150-300 mg/dL | Often elevated |
| Glucose | 200-350 mg/dL | May be elevated |
Treatment Protocol
1. Supportive Care
Emergency Stabilization
- Oxygen: If respiratory distress
- Fluid therapy: SC or IV fluids
- Warmth: Keep at 85-90°F
- Tube feeding: If not eating
- Vitamin K: If clotting abnormalities
2. Hepatoprotective Medications
Milk Thistle (Silymarin)
Dose: 100-200 mg/kg once or twice daily
Form: Liquid extract or crushed tablet
Duration: Minimum 4-6 weeks, often long-term
Benefits: Protects liver cells, promotes regeneration
SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine)
Dose: 20-40 mg/kg once daily
Timing: Give on empty stomach
Duration: Long-term support
Benefits: Supports liver detoxification and glutathione production
3. Dietary Conversion
Critical: Slow Transition
NEVER withhold food to force diet change. This can worsen liver disease and cause death.
Week 1-2: Introduction
- Continue current diet
- Offer pellets in separate dish
- Add fresh vegetables
- Mix tiny amount of pellets with seeds
Week 3-4: Gradual Shift
- 25% pellets, 75% seeds
- Increase vegetable variety
- Remove high-fat seeds (sunflower)
Week 5-8: Majority Pellets
- 50-70% pellets, 30-50% seeds
- Daily fresh vegetables
- Monitor weight weekly
Week 9+: Ideal Diet
- 70-80% pellets
- 15-20% fresh vegetables
- 5-10% healthy seeds as treats
Prognosis and Recovery
If Caught Early
- Excellent prognosis with diet change
- Liver can regenerate within 4-8 weeks
- Blood work normalizes in 6-12 weeks
- Full recovery possible
If Advanced
- Guarded prognosis
- May require months of treatment
- Some permanent liver damage possible
- 10-30% mortality rate in severe cases
Prevention
Ideal Cockatiel Diet
Balanced Nutrition
Daily Menu:
- 70-80%: High-quality cockatiel pellets
- 15-20%: Fresh vegetables (leafy greens, carrots, peppers)
- 5-10%: Seeds as treats (millet, small amounts of seed mix)
- Occasional: Small amounts of fruit, sprouted seeds
Avoid: All-seed diet, high-fat nuts, avocado, chocolate, salt
Exercise and Enrichment
- Daily out-of-cage flight time (supervised)
- Large cage allowing wing flapping
- Foraging toys requiring activity
- Climbing opportunities with varied perches
Support Respiratory Health
Birds with liver disease may have compromised immunity. Clean air reduces respiratory stress.
Explore Air Purifiers