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Milk Thistle for Birds

Liver support for birds

USD $42.95
Milk Thistle for Birds USD $42.95 Add to Cart

Liver Issues In Birds

Vet Talks 2 min read
Pet cockatiel sitting on top of a cage in a home.

The liver is one of the most important organs in the body. It is responsible for many metabolic functions, such as digesting food and filtering the blood, among others. Unfortunately, liver issues in birds are very common as our little feathered friends are very prone to both acute and chronic liver disease. That is why it is important to try giving them some liver support to keep this organ healthy.

Causes of Liver Issues in Birds

Bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites (protozoans, for example), nutritional deficiencies, chemicals, toxins (from molds or plants) can be the cause of liver issues. But, these are only some of the external causes. Internal causes may include tumors, metabolic and circulatory disorders, and genetics.

Symptoms

Although all birds can develop liver disease, birds like cockatiels, Amazon parrots, budgies, and mynahs are more prone to it. Some of the symptoms include:

  • Depression
  • Lethargy
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Anorexia
  • Swollen and puffy abdomen

The bird can also be fluffed and listless, and present yellow or green urates, which are usually white. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your feathered friend to your trusted veterinarian.

A green Amazon parrot sitting next to a box of NHV Milk Thistle for natural support for liver issues in birds.

Diagnosis

Although these symptoms can happen when liver disease is present, they are not exclusively present in this issue. Your veterinarian might ask for diagnostic tests to properly diagnose liver disease. Some tests include bloodwork (CBC and chemistry), x-rays, serology, ultrasonography, laparoscopies, and biopsies.

Treatment and Support For Liver Issues in Birds

Once the liver disease is diagnosed, treatment will be prescribed by the veterinarian. However, it is important to know that depending on how progressed the liver disease is, there is no cure, only control, management of symptoms, and support for quality of life.

Milk Thistle can be used for birds with liver issues or as preventative support.

Some of the treatments involve pharmaceuticals, but in some cases, the treatment may include a change in diet, nutritional supplementations, and an increase in exercise. In more serious cases, hospitalization might be needed alongside supportive therapy.

In all cases, following the veterinarian’s instructions and giving your bird lots of love is important for recovery and management of symptoms.

At NHV we suggest giving your bird NHV Milk Thistle, which is our all-natural supplement with a sole ingredient: Milk Thistle. This herb is highly studied even for human health, and it is proven to help support the liver, not only when the pet has been diagnosed with a health condition, but also as preventative support. NHV Milk Thistle is safe to give to your bird long-term and help their liver be and stay healthy.

Dr. Rebeca Oliveira DVM

Dr. Rebeca Oliveira DVM

Dr. Rebeca is a holistic veterinarian from Brazil with a passion for natural and integrative medicine. She’s been studying integrative medicine and alternative (and healthier) diets since 2015, and now started to study the power of herbs with the NHV Family. In her spare time, you can find her spending time with her golden retriever, Kuga.

Published: June 16, 2021

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