Could Your Bird Have Diabetes?

Could your bird have diabetes? Let's discuss it right here.

It isn't common for pet birds to have hormonal disorders such as diabetes, however it does occasionally happen. This article will discuss hormonal disorders in birds, what causes them, as well as their symptoms and treatments.

There is more than one type of hormonal disorder that a bird can develop, however the most common hormonal disorder that many pets get is diabetes mellitus. Avian diabetes is usually rare, but it does tend to be more common in toucans, cockatiels, and budgies.

Symptoms of avian diabetes mellitus include drinking excess water and therefore urinating excessively. If a veterinarian runs a urine test it will show elevated sugar levels. However, you can't notice sugar in your bird's urine and probably wouldn't have it tested. However, if you notice that your bird is drinking a lot more than normal, you should take them to a veterinarian for a checkup and urinalysis.

Birds with diabetes may also loss weight because their body isn't properly using glucose. Diabetes also make birds more susceptible to other infections.

Stress can sometimes increase blood glucose levels, and sometimes infections and liver diseases have similar symptoms to diabetes, so make sure you go to a veterinarian familiar with treating birds. If you veterinarian is treating your bird with medication, keep a close eye on your pet to see if the medication is working or not. If it is not working, your bird may have been misdiagnosed.

There is no definite answer as to what causes diabetes in birds. It could be caused by heredity, diet, or weight. Other avian hormonal disorder can be caused by things that affect a bird's glands such as tumors, or injuries. Anything that affects hormone secretion and alters blood sugar levels can be a cause and treatments depend on the cause.

Diseases of the pancreas usually lead to the secretion of less insulin therefore increasing a bird's blood sugar level. This can be treated with insulin. Sometimes cancers and tumors to a bird's reproductive organs causes too many hormones of the opposite sex to be released. This is another hormonal disorder that sometimes affects birds. Surgery to remove the tumors may be required if this is the problem.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your veterinarian or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.