Polydipsia in birds
abnormal bird behaviour
Polydipsia is an excessively large water intake. Its occurrence in captive birds has been recorded, although it is a relatively rare abnormal behaviour.
Causes
Toxins
Polydipsia can be the result of a bird having ingested a toxin, or overconsumption of natural substances. For example, in pet birds, crackers, snack items, chips, fast foods, and canned vegetables (unrinsed) if eaten in sufficient quantities may cause a mild salt toxicity (5-10 times requirement) and subsequent polydipsia. Polydipsia can result from zinc poisoning to which caged birds may be particularly susceptible because of the zinc coating often used on birdcage bars.
Polydipsia has been experimentally induced in pigeons, budgerigars and ducks, by the administration of lithium chloride (LiCl). The polydipsic effect was greatest in budgerigars, a desert-dwelling species with a well-developed fluid retention system, and least in ducks, a species with an efficient sodium-secretion system.
Symptom of disease
In waterfowl, polydipsia can be a symptom of duck virus enteritis. Polydipsia has also been listed as a symptom of many diseases, including
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
Diabetes insipidus
Diabetes mellitus
Renal glucosuria
Vitamin A deficiency
Liver disease
Renal disease
Hypercalcemia?
Hyperthyroidism?
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