|Gout is a common disease among humans and reptiles, and is also
seen in birds, especially budgies, waterfowl, and poultry.
Although some instances of gout are hereditary, others may be
aggravated by environmental or nutritional factors. In either
case, proper nutrition is thought to play a role in gout
management. Understanding the reasons for gout and recognizing
|the signs are essential - especially for budgie owners - so you
can get your bird treatment when he needs it. What is Gout? Gout
can occur if the level of uric acid (a by-product of the
breakdown of dietary proteins usually excreted in the urine) in
the blood exceeds the ability of the kidneys to remove it. In
articular or synovial gout, the uric acid crystallizes in the
joints, ligaments, and tendon sheaths. In visceral gout, uric
acid deposits are found in the liver, spleen, pericardial sac
(the covering of the heart), kidneys, and air sacs. Gout can be
primary, when the high uric acid level is caused by an abnormal
breakdown of protein, or seco