Clinical Chemistry of Companion Avian Species: A Review

Abstract

Birds have evolved alternate physiologic strategies to contend with dehydration, starvation, malnutrition, and reproduction. Basic anatomic and functional differences between birds and mammals impact clinical chemistry values and their evaluation. Interpretation of the results of standard biochemical analyses, including BUN, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, gamma glutamyltransferase, bilirubin, ammonia, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, bile acids, glucose, albumin, globulins, calcium, phosphorus, prealbumin (transthyretin), fibrinogen, iron, and ferritin, is reviewed and discussed in relation to these physiological differences. The use and interpretation of alternative analytes appropriate for avian species, such as uric acid, biliverdin, glutamate dehydrogenase, and galactose clearance, also are reviewed. Normal avian urine and appropriate use of urinalysis, an integral part of laboratory diagnosis in mammalian species that frequently is omitted from avian diagnostic protocols, is discussed.

Profile of Serum Metabolites and Proteins of Broiler Breeders in Rearing Age

“…Uric acid is the main product of protein nitrogen and purine metabolism in poultry. Approximately 90% of the uric acid is secreted by the proximal convoluted tubules in healthy broilers (Harr, 2002). The highest values found in males may reflect their protein metabolism rate at this age, as they have a higher body growth rate than females.…”

“…According to Peebles et al (2004), the levels of LDL and VLDL, which are lipoproteins associated with the transport of cholesterol, are much lower in males than in females, compared to HDL levels, responsible for the reduction of serum cholesterol. Cholesterol levels can also be influenced by age, diet, and reproductive activity (Harr, 2002;Alonso-Alvarez, 2005). Ross et al (1978) reported cholesterol values of 1.86-3.37 mmol/L in broilers.…”

“…According to Harr et al (2002), serum total protein values of broilers tend to be lower than those of mammals, ranging from 25.00 to 45.00 g/L.…”

Effect of Dietary Selenium Sources in Racing Pigeons and their Effect on Antioxidant Markers During Flying Effort

“…Nevertheless, these enzymes may be adversely affected by factors such as muscular injury, rupture of organs, nutritional status, physical activity, hemolysis, treatment, and conservation of plasma samples and their levels in blood can increase. Also, these enzymes can be an important diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine [15]. Table 3 presents the activity of the investigated enzymes during the period of Se supplementation.…”

Increasing fatal AA amyloidosis in hunting falcons and how to identify the risk: a report from the United Arab Emirates

“…Bile stasis has been described in inflammations, infections, neoplasia, toxic insults, and lipoidosis [55]. Now, inflammation with hepatic amyloidosis can be added to this list.…”