Exotics

Environmental factors that affect avian reproduction

photoperiod, rainfall, presence of mate or of a perceived mate, nesting material, nesting box

Chronic egg laying in avian species

common in cockatiels and lovebirds

hypocalcemia and dystocia

need to address environmental causes, can’t be housed with mate

Avian dystocia

causes - hypocalcemia, size imbalance, egg positioning, blockage in oviduct

clinical signs - hematochezia, tenesmus, visible coelomic distension,

diagnosis - complete bloodwork, whole body radiographs, polyostotic hyperostosis

medical management - analgesia, heat support, nutritional support, fluid support, calcium supplementation

may need ovocentesis

Avian ovocentesis

indications - failure of medical management, deterioration of patient

perform under general anesthesia with appropriate analgesics

percloacal or percutaneous

antibiotics and analgesics post-op

Coelomocentesis (avian)

removing fluid from coelom due to reproductive disease

ventral-midline placement of needle