VMD 512: Zoo/Wild Animal Breeding, Management, Nutrition and Health Care (1+1)

HYPOTHYROIDISM

Hypothyroidism in captive wild mammals

• This may occur in any species of wild mammals.
• Clinical signs
  • Obesity, alopecia, dullness with lethargic movements and lowered serum cholesterol are the major features in this hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism in captive aviary species (documented in budgerigars etc.)

• Goiter in birds due to iodine deficiency may lead to hypothyroidism because the iodine is a must for the development of thyroid gland.
• Due to iodine deficiency, there may be hypertrophy of thyroid gland resulting in goiter.
• Clinical signs
  • The affected birds will reveal change of voice i.e. a respiratory noise heard as a characteristic ‘click’ and this is due to the pressure of the enlarged thyroid on syrinx and the lower trachea.
  • In addition to the obesity and dullness, there may be ruffled feathers in the affected bird.