Diagnosis of liver disease in birds by radiography and ultrasonography: Under special consideration of ultrasound-guided liver biopsies

In birds with hepatic disorders, clinical signs are usually quite unspecific. Therefore, it is essential to perform further investigations for diagnosis. Because analysis of plasma enzymes is only an indication for hepatocyte damage, but is of very limited use for diagnosis of chronic liver diseases, radiography and ultrasonography are very important further diagnostic tools. The possibilities, advantages, and disadvantages of both examinations are described. The ultrasound-guided biopsy of liver tissue discloses new diagnostic possibilities. The applicability, the realization, and the risks of this procedure are discussed.