Now, before we start this article, it is essential that I point out that I am not an avian vet. Nor is this article designed to diagnose, treat or manage fatty liver disease in Birds. Some of these things can help, but you should always consult your avian vet about your Bird’s individual case & weather these things are worth a try. If you suspect fatty liver disease, please get it confirmed as there are other issues that can mimic the signs. Now the boring stuff is out of the way, let’s begin!
I have cared for Birds with fatty liver disease for over 10 years, I have seen every side of fatty liver. I have cried with joy as its effects have been reversed, given hospice care when the disease is too advanced to cure & cried when it caught up with them. These are some of the things that have helped the most, but each case is unique. Treatment for fatty liver disease always includes a change in diet to remove the excess fat, but some cases require medication to reduce the excess ammonia in the blood or treat secondary health conditions. None of the things I mention below are designed to replace this vital intervention.
CELERY JUICE – Juicing Organic celery & adding it to their drinking water every other day can really help some cases. My Ring neck Veegs had her life saved by celery juice! It sounds weird, doesn’t it? But there is actually truth to celery juice’s help for the liver. Studies have proven that celery reduces fat build up in the liver. Not only this, but the nutrients in celery protect the liver & aid production of enzymes that flush fat & toxins out of the liver. This should always be done with help from your avian vet to ensure you work it into their care plan healthily.
MILK THISTLE – Milk thistle doesn’t reverse damage to the liver, but it can help protect the liver. Milk thistle is even used for humans with liver diseases due to the proven effects it has on liver protection. Studies show an improvement in liver function after milk thistle has been taken. It is thought to reduce inflammation of the liver too. Doses vary hugely depending on the size, health & weight of the Bird, so make sure your avian vet guides you with this.
ORGANIC FOOD – The liver’s job is to remove toxins from the Bird’s body & most Birds live in a shockingly toxic environment (candles, air fresheners etc.). There is another area we overlook- pesticides. Whilst they may not be dangerous for humans, pesticides are deadly to Birds & even trace amounts have a huge impact on their health. No matter how well you wash fruit or veg, trace amounts of pesticides will remain & the Bird’s liver then has to deal with them. The effects of pesticides can build up over time & may result in a congested liver. For Birds to be truly healthy, they must eat an Organic diet. This can be hard for some people to afford, but any Organic produce you can afford will be less pesticides your Bird will ingest. Cost can be greatly reduced by growing some things at home (even in window boxes) in Organic conditions. All of the typical ‘Parrot treats’ on the market (Parrot sweets, seed bars, crackers, meals in a can etc.) contribute hugely to the development of fatty liver disease & are incredibly expensive! You would be shocked at the amount of Organic fresh food you could buy for the same price.
TURMERIC – Like celery juice, Turmeric boosts enzymes that flush out dietary toxins. Turmeric’s powerful antioxidant & anti-inflammatory effects are also wonderful for the liver & may protect it against further damage. Be careful not to over-feed though!
These natural & healthy methods can be important building blocks towards recovery from, or management of, fatty liver disease in some Birds. A diet change is the most important thing, switching from a high seed diet to one that is varied, nutritious & free of junk food, but these things may help the Bird’s recovery. Every case is different & some Birds may have very different treatment needs, but knowing about the options can only help us make the best decisions for them. If caught early enough, there is hope.