Dealing with a Prolapsed Cloaca: Avian Health Concerns
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here.
Cloacal prolapse can occur in any bird species (as well as in reptiles and amphibians) and is evidenced by moist or dried tissue protruding from the vent. It is frequently associated with egg-laying, and may occur before, during or after the process. A calcium deficiency is usually at the root of the problem...the muscles, weakened by the lack of calcium, cannot contract as forcibly as is necessary, and the resultant straining pushes the cloaca outward. Weakness in other muscles, i.e. the sphincter, adds to the problem. Less commonly, a prolapse may be caused by an infection in the uterus or cloaca.
Emergency Care
A prolapsed cloaca is a matter for your veterinarian, but there are some steps you can take to alleviate the situation. Most important is prevention - assure that your birds, especially breeding hens, are in good health and are receiving optimal amounts of calcium and other minerals and vitamins.
Upon noting a prolapse, you can try lubricating the tissue with a water-soluble product, such as KY Jelly. The bird should be kept warm, as its metabolism will be functioning poorly, and may have difficulty generating enough heat. Liquid calcium might be an option, especially if it will take some time to get the bird to a veterinarian. Plan ahead and ask your vet to suggest a product to keep on hand.
Veterinary Care
Your veterinarian may place a suture in the vent while the cloaca heals. Antibiotics will usually be given, as an extruded cloaca is susceptible to infection. If all else fails, or if too much time has elapsed and the tissue is beyond repair, surgery may be necessary. Such is usually successful for birds of cockatiel size or beyond, less so for smaller species.
Please write in with your questions and comments. Thanks, until next time, Frank Indiviglio.
The importance of calcium and Vitamin D in parrot metabolism is discussed in an article posted at:
http://www.avianmedicine.net/articles/stanford-calcium.doc
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December 30th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
I have a 6 year old African Gray parrot who has been acting strangely lately. Making little whimping sounds and pushing her rear end against my arm. I checked her backside and the cloaca seems to be protruding out. It looks healthy but I am concerned. I called my vet and he said she may have a protracted croaca and would need to be taken to San Diego, (200 miles away). Any suggestions?
December 30th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Hello, Danny,
Frank Indiviglio here. Thanks for your interest in our blog.
Unfortunately your parrot will need to see a veterinarian; the fact that it’s pushing and making noises is a sign that it is in distress. Its promising that the tissue looks health and has not dried out…but in its present condition it will be very susceptible to infection.
I suggest that you gently apply KY Jelly or another water soluble lubricant (not Vaseline) to that part of the tissue which is visible… but bear in mind that this is just to prevent drying and not a real treatment…for that you will need to see a veterinarian. Keep the cage very clean and the bird warm. You should arrange to have the bird seen as soon as possible, as complications are more likely the longer you wait.
Be sure to get your veterinarian’s opinion as to the probable cause of the prolapse…blood tests are usually helpful in this regard.
Good luck, please let me know if I can be of any further help.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
May 27th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
For a bird with a Prolapsed Cloaca that is not being treated by a veterinarian, What are the complications this bird will face? Is/Will this bird be in pain?
Can the bird live a normal life in this condition?
I am doing some research on this issue and would appreciate any information you may be able to share.
Thank you in advance for your time.
Sincerely
Anita
May 27th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Hello Anita, Frank Indiviglio here.
Thanks for your interest in our blog.
Unfortunately, cloacal prolapse is a serious matter, and can only be treated by a veterinarian. As an internal organ is now exposed to the air, the bird is indeed in pain. It will not be able to pass feces and will certainly develop an infection as well. The cloaca will also begin to dry and the tissue will become necrotic, which, along with the aforementioned complications, will lead to the bird’s death.
The longer the bird goes without medical attention, the less chance there will be for a successful recovery. Please see the article referenced for emergency measures, but please understand that, as stated there, these measures are only designed to keep the bird comfortable until it can be seen by a veterinarian.
Please let me know if you need a reference to an avian veterinarian in your area.
Good luck and please keep me posted,
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.