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Adele, I hope you find something that works; nothing worked for mine. They seem to go through periods where it's better...and then worse. I spoke with the Michigan state vet about it and sent him a slew of pictures, and he replied on what he thought it was...I did post his message here on BYC, I guess it was another thread. I'll try to find it, but basically he indicated there was not a cure.
ETA - I found it in the other thread and will repost here:
I sent pictures to the head of the Michigan State University's Avian Genetics dept., and heard back from Dr. R. M. Fulton - I asked (and received) permission to post his reply:
I have had a chance to review the pictures - If in fact, you have no response to treatment for scaley leg mite [it is most definitely not scaley leg mite) then there are 2 diseases that can cause this. Xanthomatosis, which is an accumulation of cholesterol and/or lipids in the skin. There is no treatment nor prevention for this condition. The other would be Marek's disease....which isn't very likely. It could still be scaley leg mite if the birds are re-infected. The reason for only males is puzzling although it could be related to hormones levels. My best guess would be xanthomatosis.
Sorry I am late about getting back to you. You may post my reply on the forum if you wish. The exact cause of xanthomatosis is not known. It is caused by a problem in lipid and/or cholesterol metabolism. People have speculated that it could be an unknown hydrocarbon in the feed (possible but not likely). More work needs to be done.
Regards,
R. M. Fulton, D.V.M., Ph.D.
ETA - I found it in the other thread and will repost here:
I sent pictures to the head of the Michigan State University's Avian Genetics dept., and heard back from Dr. R. M. Fulton - I asked (and received) permission to post his reply:
I have had a chance to review the pictures - If in fact, you have no response to treatment for scaley leg mite [it is most definitely not scaley leg mite) then there are 2 diseases that can cause this. Xanthomatosis, which is an accumulation of cholesterol and/or lipids in the skin. There is no treatment nor prevention for this condition. The other would be Marek's disease....which isn't very likely. It could still be scaley leg mite if the birds are re-infected. The reason for only males is puzzling although it could be related to hormones levels. My best guess would be xanthomatosis.
Sorry I am late about getting back to you. You may post my reply on the forum if you wish. The exact cause of xanthomatosis is not known. It is caused by a problem in lipid and/or cholesterol metabolism. People have speculated that it could be an unknown hydrocarbon in the feed (possible but not likely). More work needs to be done.
Regards,
R. M. Fulton, D.V.M., Ph.D.
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