Gout
Gout
Urate deposition
Urate deposition
What is it: Gout is the deposition of uric acid (basically a chicken’s urine) in different parts of the body. The liver produces the uric acid, and the kidneys get rid of it. If the kidneys are impaired or overloaded, that uric acid stays in the body and builds up in the blood. Deposits of uric acid will form, creating crystals. There are two main types of gout; articular and visceral. In articular gout, the uric acid accumulates in the joints, ligaments, and tendon sheaths. In visceral gout, uric acid accumulates on the surface of visceral organs (heart, liver, air sacs, etc).[1] Articular gout is not as common as visceral.[2]
Causes: There are a number of things that can cause kidney damage. Some causes are, but are not limited to:
- Dehydration[1]
- Excessive calcium in non laying chickens (frequently happens in roosters for this reason, as well as pullets who are fed layer feed)[1], which causes visceral
- Excessive protein, which causes articular[2]
- Viral infections that can cause kidney damage[1]
- Toxins[1]
Symptoms: Articular gout is the most easily recognizable. With visceral gout, diagnosis is often made during a necropsy after death.
- Articular gout
- Visceral gout
Prognosis: For both types, prognosis is poor. With visceral gout, the cause of it is from rapid kidney failure or some terminal event, so mortality will happen quickly. With articular gout, it happens more slowly over time, but it is still a long term condition with no real cure. Both are painful, but progression may be managed, especially for articular gout.[2]
Treatment: There is no treatment for gout, only remedies.
- Supply plenty of clean, fresh water
- Give electrolytes
- Do not give excessive protein in the case of articular
- Do not give excessive calcium in the case of visceral
- Give chicken plenty of vitamins (vitamin A, D3, K, and B)
- Do not give excessive sodium or sodium bicarbonate
- Supply affected chicken with a mix of half feed and half grain for 3-5 days, or supply just the grain for 3-5 days.
- Give 2 capsules of tart cherry per day, decreasing the amount as the swelling decreases. After the swelling and pain has subsided as much as possible it may be given twice a week for maintenance.
- Give urine acidifiers to decrease the amount of urate deposition
- Vinegar: 1-2 mL per liter of water for 3-5 days
- Potassium Chloride: 1 gram per liter of water for 24 hours
- Ammonium Chloride: 10-12 grams per 10 pounds of feed for 7 days
- Ammonium Sulfate: 10-12 grams per 10 pounds of feed for 7 days
- Sources:
Prevention:
- Ensure access to fresh, clean water[1] and non moldy food[3]
- Ensure chickens get proper amounts of Vitamin A[1]
- Ensure chickens are getting the recommended amount of protein[1]
- Do not feed non laying pullets high calcium feed. If possible, avoid feeding roosters high calcium feed.[1]
- Provide formulated feed for the appropriate aged chickens[3]
- Be careful with certain antibiotics and medicines that can cause kidney damage[3]
- Vaccinate for certain diseases and manage diseases[4]
Sources:
