Eggbound & Egg Yolk Peritonitis in a Cockatiel
"Astro", a 140gm five year old female cockatiel was referred to The BIRD Clinic for microsurgery to remove an egg lodged in the oviduct for over 40 days. The procedure would involve removing the entire oviduct, evaluating the ovary, and cleaning out the extensive fluid and ruptured yolk material (egg yolk peritonitis) from the coelomic (abdominal) cavity. Astro was placed on antibiotics and fluids in preparation for surgery.
An electrosurgical incision (picture top left) was created on the abdomen. The abdomen was markedly distended due to fluid and yolk material. Once flushed and cleaned with sterile warm saline, the oviduct was isolated for removal. Due to a large central cyst in addition to the bound egg, the oviduct had to be removed in sections. The oviductal cyst was removed and the distal oviduct with "bound" egg was isolated (Picture center left). Using small microvascular clamps blood vessels were occluded, the vaginal region was clamped off and the rest of the oviduct was removed. On ovarian examination two mature ova were discovered which were removed to prevent the possibility of subsequent rupture post-surgically. Finally the dilated abdominal wall was repaired and "Astro" made a wonderful recovery now 40gms (28% Bwt) lighter!
Comments: Reproductive conditions are quite common in the prolific species such as budgies, lovebirds, and cockatiels, but can occur in ANY female bird at any age even if it is their first egg at 10 years of age. Signs to watch for are nesting behavior, mood changes, swollen abdomen, blood in droppings, or breathing difficulty. These conditions are a common cause of death, but if surgery is performed before it is too late, these birds can make excellent recoveries. The BIRD Clinic has patients that have been "spayed" over 12 years ago and are still doing great today.