Budgerigars by Barrie Shutt

According to Caduceus magazine the chronic lack of Iodine in the western diet is largely responsible for an epidemic of thyroid-linked illness...

The term 'goiter' refers to a medical condition called 'thyroid hyperplasia.' In this condition, the cells of the thyroid gland proliferate in large numbers and the gland actually enlarges. This condition has been diagnosed in multiple bird species including wild birds as well as pigeons, canaries, cockatiels, and budgerigars (budgies); it is a common disease of the thyroid gland in budgies.

Under normal conditions, the thyroid gland produces several hormones, including thyroxine, and iodine is necessary for their production. There is a feedback mechanism to control the amount of hormone production. If the brain senses the thyroid hormones are too low, it will signal the thyroid gland to produce more. The reverse is also true, if thyroid hormone levels are too high, the brain will signal the thyroid gland to slow production. If the thyroid gland is stimulated by the brain to produce more hormones over a long time period, the cells of the gland multiply, and the thyroid gland enlarges. This enlargement occurs even if an iodine deficiency makes it impossible for the thyroid gland to produce its hormones.

A goiter can result from several conditions including:

• Iodine deficiency-usually the result of eating an iodine-deficient seed diet
• Ingestion of foods containing goitrogenic agents (chemicals that interfere with the normal function of the thyroid gland,) including soybean, flax, rapeseed, turnips, and members of the cabbage family such as kale, cabbage, and broccoli
• Severe infections that cause inflammation of the thyroid gland
• Toxins such as organophosphates and clorinated biphenols

The thyroid gland of a bird is located in the chest cavity, and, when enlarged, can place pressure on the heart, digestive system, lungs, and air sacs. The pressure on the heart may also cause buildup of fluids in the respiratory system. Excess fluids may also be produced in the digestive system. Signs of an enlarged thyroid include:

• Seizures and sudden death due to a physical compression of the heart and large blood vessels
• Difficulty swallowing
• Crop distention
• Regurgitation
• Weight loss
• Lack of appetite due to blockage of the esophagus
• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• A "squeak" during inspiration or expiration
• A change in song or voice

Iodine deficiency in the diet may result in thyroid dysplasia in budgies, although this is not as common as it used to be. This occurs in birds that consume an all-seed diet that is deficient in  Birds with thyroid dysplasia present with respiratory signs from the enlarged thyroid glands pressing on the trachea and syrinx. Some develop a characteristic squeak when they breathe. This is treated by prescribing an iodine supplement. Injectable  iodine: 20% sodium iodine in saline for injection, 0.01 ml/budgie once, IM. Oral: Make stock solution of 2 ml Lugol’s iodine in 30 ml water. Mix one drop of stock solution in 250 ml drinking water. Use daily for treatment, 2-3 times per week for prevention.