Arthritis

[Sherry]

Arthritis is inflammation of a joint. It is usually accompanied by pain, swelling, losee of some function in joint and changes to the structure of the joint.

Osteoarthritis is caused by aging. Also called degenerative arthritis.

Gout involves the kidneys. Due to disease or kidney failure the kidney's cannot excrete urates, so the buildup in they bloodstream and are deposited in joints.

Various bacteria, antibiotic-resistant forms an cause infection of joints.

Trauma such as bites, lacerations, wire punctures, poor flight skill, improperly set fractures can all place stress on the joint causing arthritis.

Arthritis of the spine and rib cage maybe due to poor nutrition.

Symptoms include lameness, inflammation, swelling, increased temperature in the limb, discomfort and loss of function.

Xrays will indicate abnormalities in the joint. A culture & sensitivity may indicate infection of joint. Cytology is used to examine fluid in the joint.

If arthritis is caused by infection, anitbiotics are used. With degenerative arthritis, corticosteriods are used to reduce inflammation and pain. For gout, Allopurinal is used with a diet low in protein. When caused by obesity, weight reduction programs are a MUST to ease the burden on joints wiht a diet change.

Most times arthritis cannot be cured just controlled, except when infection is the cause. It is a chronic disease that may require medication the rest of the bird's life. With these darlings, padded perches, flat perches, food/water bowl placement, etc is needed. All to make them comfortable.

[Alan]

Great information Sherry. Alot of people don't realize that birds can actually get a lot of the same things wrong with them that we can with us.