Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome

Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (also referred to as fatty liver syndrome), a disease in chickens and other birds, affects only hens (females). "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.] Birds with this disease have large amounts of fat deposited in their liver and abdomen. "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.] This often results in an enlarged liver that is easily damaged and prone to bleeding. "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.] In some cases the disease is , usually as a result of blood loss from an internal hemorrhage in the liver. The hemorrhage often occurs when a hen is straining to lay her egg. Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome is "the major cause of mortality in laying hens." [Cherian, G, "Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome in Laying Hens: An Investigation into the Role of Dietary Fatty Acids," "USDA Current Research Information System (CRIS)".]

Causes

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

ymptoms

Affected birds are usually overweight and may also have pale combs. Generally, however, the disease has few or no symptoms prior to the bird's death. ["Death Occurring In Fowl," "GameRooster.Com Disease Diagnostics Aid". Retrieved from http://www.gamerooster.com/disease/symptoms.shtml on 2007-03-11.]

References