Egg Binding in an Eclectus Parrot (Moluccan eclectus)

Abstract

Background: Egg binding is defined as the failure of an egg to pass through the oviduct at a normal rate. It is one of the most common obstetric complications in birds. The causes of egg binding are multifactorial such as hypocalcemia, nutritional deficiencies, reproductive muscle dysfunction, excessive egg production, age of the hen, obesity, and genetics.

Objective: This case study aimed to describe the treatment for egg binding which often occurs in birds.

Case description: Adult confiscated Eclectus Parrot showed abnormal clinical signs such as a swollen stomach, lethargy, and unable to fly.

Examination Results/Diagnosis: The physical examination and x-ray showed that there is an egg with an abnormal position in the abdomen area.

Treatment/Therapies: The therapies given were fluid therapy, oxytocin, meloxicam, calcium, and adenosine triphosphate. After 24 hours of observation, the egg looked a bit shifted, but the patient did not show any sign of laying the egg. The patient was induced with anesthesia using Isoflurane administered via a mask to performed massage method to push out the egg. After massage therapy successfully performed, the patient received ceftriaxone for 7 days, meloxicam for 5 days, and multivitamin for 14 days.

Conclusion: The egg was successfully pushed out by massage method. Oxytocin conduced the egg slightly shifted and the medications can be used to increase the body condition in general and reduce the pain because of the egg binding. An anesthesia procedure is needed for massage therapy to suppressed egg release. After 14 days of medications, the patient shows good progress and physically better.