Rickets (hypocalcaemic)

Introduction

Vitamin D deficiency or phosphorus/calcium imbalance is seen in chickens, turkeys and ducks worldwide.

Signs

  • Lameness.
  • Hock swelling.
  • Soft bones and beak.
  • Birds go off legs.
  • Poor growth.
  • Birds rest squatting.
  • Reduction in bodyweight.

Post-mortem lesions

  • Bones soft and rubbery.
  • Epiphyses of long bones enlarged.
  • Beading and fracture of ribs.
  • Growth plates widened and disorganised.
  • Beak soft.
  • Parathyroids enlarged.

Diagnosis

History, signs, lesions. Differentiate from Encephalomalacia, Femoral Head Necrosis.

Treatment

Over-correct ration with three times vitamin D for 2 weeks, or Vitamin D or 25-hydroxy vitamin D in drinking water.

Prevention

Supplementation of vitamin D, proper calcium and phosphorus levels and ratio, antioxidants.

 

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