Blood chemistry for the diagnosis of hepatobiliary disease in birds. A review

Abstract

SUMMARY A review is presented of current knowledge with regard to blood chemistry for the diagnosis of hepatobiliary disease in birds. Straightforward conclusions are difficult, because research on this subject has been limited. Jaundice caused by hyperbilirubinaemia occurs infrequently in birds, because the main bile pigment is biliverdin and not bilirubin. A yellow discolouration of avian plasma is often caused by the presence of carotenoids. The diagnostic value of plasma ALAT concentrations is controversial. Although ASAT and LD are not specific for the liver they appear to be sensitive enzymes to detect liver cell damage. GLDH is liver specific in a number of animal species (including birds) and might prove tobe a useful enzyme for diagnostic purposes. AP and GGT seem less useful. Little information is available on the diagnostic value of plasma bile acids and plasma dye clearance tests.

Blood chemistry reference values for use in columbine hepatology

“…In a previous paper potentially useful plasma chemical variables for the diagnosis of hepatobiliary disease in birds were reviewed (Lumeij and Westerhof, 1987). The present study was undertaken to establish reference values for these variables in racing pigeons {Columba livia domestica).…”

Changes in plasma chemistry after drug‐induced liver disease or muscle necrosis in racing pigeons(Columba livia domestica)

“…Potentially useful variables in plasma for the diagnosis of hepatobiliary disease in birds have been reviewed (Lumeij and Westerhof, 1987). In order to investigate systematically the usefulness of various plasma variables for the diagnosis of avian hepatobiliary disease a series of studies was performed using the racing pigeon as a model.…”

The diagnostic value of plasma proteins and non‐protein nitrogen substances in birds

“…The radiographic, macroscopic and histologic appearance of osteochondrosis of domestic animals have been well described (3,8,10,11,12,14,16,17). It has been shown in pigs and broilers that there is a positive correlation between incidence of osteochondrosis and rapid growth (13,15).…”

“…The first paper was a review of general aspects of clinical pathology in birds, such as blood sample collection, treatment of samples, anticoagulants and a general discussion on reference values (10). In the second paper blood chemistries for the diagnosis of avian hepato-biliary disease were reviewed (12).…”