Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome

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Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (also referred to as fatty liver syndrome), a disease in chickens and other birds, affects only hens. [1] Birds with this disease have large amounts of fat deposited in their liver and abdomen. [2] This often results in an enlarged liver that is easily damaged and prone to bleeding. [3] In some cases the disease is fatal, usually as a result of blood loss from an internal hemorrhage in the liver. [1] The hemorrhage often occurs when a hen is straining to lay her egg. [3] Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome is "the major cause of mortality in laying hens." [4]

[edit] Causes

Excessive dietary energy intake is believed to be the cause of fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome. [3] Heredity may also play a role, but it is not the entire cause for the disease. [1] Birds housed in cages will more likely be affected because they are unable to exercise to burn off the extra dietary energy. [3] The disease is observed most often in birds that appear to be healthy and in a state of high egg production. [3] As a result, death can occur quite unexpectedly.

[edit] Symptoms

Affected birds are usually overweight and may also have pale combs. [2] Generally, however, the disease has few or no symptoms prior to the bird's death. [5]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c "Miscellaneous Management Related Diseases," Cooperative Extension Service: Mississippi State University. Retrieved from http://www.msstate.edu/dept/poultry/dismisc.htm#flhs on 2007-03-11.
  2. ^ a b "Fatty Liver Syndrome: Introduction," Merck Veterinary Manual Online, 8th Edition, 2003. Retrieved from http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/202400.htm on 2007-03-10.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Poultry: Causes for Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome," Mississippi State University Extension Service. Retrieved from http://msucares.com/poultry/feeds/poultry_laying.html on 2007-03-11.
  4. ^ Cherian, G, "Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome in Laying Hens: An Investigation into the Role of Dietary Fatty Acids," USDA Current Research Information System (CRIS).
  5. ^ "Death Occurring In Fowl," GameRooster.Com Disease Diagnostics Aid. Retrieved from http://www.gamerooster.com/disease/symptoms.shtml on 2007-03-11.
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