Symptoms of a Bird That is Egg Bound

Egg binding, or the obstruction of the uterus or oviduct by an egg, is a common problem seen in female birds. Since it can occur in a female bird, even if a mate is not present, unmated pet birds can also experience this problem. Egg binding can be life-threatening, especially in the smaller species such as finches, budgies, lovebirds and cockatiels.
Most companion birds lay eggs every 24 – 48 hours during their laying cycle, but variability in egg transit time can make it difficult to know when a problem is occurring.

A variety of things may cause egg binding. One of the most common causes of egg binding is an all-seed diet because it is very low in calcium as well as other essential vitamins and minerals. Other causes include obesity, lack of exercise, oversized or mal-formed eggs, excessive egg laying, oviduct infection or damage, heredity and senility are all causes of egg binding.

Egg formation takes approximately 24-25 hours. If an egg remains in the oviduct for an abnormal length of time, a number of problems may result. These problems tend to be most severe in the smaller species. If an egg remains lodged in the pelvic canal, it can interfere with blood circulation in the pelvis and to the kidneys. The egg can interfere with urination and defecation, leading to metabolic disturbances. The egg can press against the wall of the oviduct, causing it to die and rupture.

Clinical Signs
Presenting clinical signs vary with the individual bird. A hen may appear depressed, have an abnormally wide stance, and make repeated straining motions. Some birds may be puffed yet perching, while others may be found on the bottom of the cage. Some birds may even be found dead on the floor of the cage or aviary without any previous warning. Droppings may be larger than normal or no droppings may be passed and the vent may be dilated and swollen.

Diagnosis of Egg Binding
Many birds have a history of prolonged egg laying, while others may have never laid an egg before. If you suspect that a bird is egg bound, it should be examined by an avian veterinarian immediately. In some birds, gentle examination of the abdomen reveals the presence of an egg. It is often necessary to radiograph the bird to determine the size, position and number of eggs present. If the egg shell is not present, ultrasound may be necessary to reveal the presence of an egg.

Treatment of Egg Binding
Egg binding should be considered an emergency. Medical treatment is initiated to stabilize the bird. The bird may be given fluids intravenously or subcutaneously as well as antibiotics, steroids and calcium. It is placed in an incubator at 85-95 degrees F with moistened air. If the egg is not passed within a few hours, additional calcium as well as certain drugs to stimulate contraction and expulsion of the egg may be administered. Sometimes it is necessary to sedate the bird with isoflurane and manually pass the egg. If this is not possible due to the large size of the egg, ovocentesis or aspiration of the egg’s contents, followed by collapse of the egg and removal of the shell may be necessary.

Long term management of birds recovering from egg binding should involve dietary and environmental changes. If the bird is on a seed diet it should be switched to a more balanced diet, including pellets. Ample calcium should be present in the form of natural vegetables. If a supplement is required, oyster shells or neocalglucagan can be used. In addition to an appropriate diet, exercise is necessary to prevent obesity. Hormones and other drugs may be administered to try to temporarily stop egglaying, but a hysterectomy may be necessary for those birds that have repeat occurances of egg binding.

If an egg breaks inside the female, yolk peritonitis, a life threatening situation may result. This is why it is important for a veterinarian to remove the egg and not the owner.If an egg is visible and not encased in membranes, but stuck to the bird, the owner may be able to apply warm water or KY Jelly as a lubricant and gently remove the egg. However, if the egg is protruding, but appears encased in tissues, the oviduct or cloaca may also be involved and may have prolapsed. The bird should be taken to a veterinarian immediately, while being kept in a warm, humid environment.

EggBound by Linda Pesek DVM

http://pigeonracingpigeons.com/tag/eggbound-symptoms/

Egg Binding
Breeding Challenges


Although egg binding can occur in any female bird, it is most common in smaller birds such as lovebirds, cockatiels, budgies and finches.



Suspected causes for egg binding include:

Low Calcium Levels or Hypocalcaemia Syndrome associated with low calcium levels in the blood. Supplementing the breeding hen with a diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D is an important factor in preventing this problem
You could provide a dish filled with crushed egg shell (from boiled eggs to kill any bacteria) and/or attach a calcium / mineral block to the cage.
In areas where access to natural sunlight is limited (such as in the northern hemisphere during the winter months), full-spectrum lamps can be used to provide UVA and UVB rays.
Please click here for natural food sources rich in Vitamin D
Potentially discuss supplementation with your vet. Supplementation needs to be carefully screen ed and supervised by a vet since an excess of vitamin D (in the form of a supplement) causes kidney damage and retards growth.



Malnutrition caused by seed-only or low-protein diets. Please click here for information on bird nutrition.


Sedentary lifestyle: Often the case when birds are kept in enclosures / cages that are too small for them. The lack of exercise causes poorly developed muscles and obesity.


At particular risk are sick and old birds.


Pet birds can also develop this problem, as birds don't need a mate to lay eggs. (Obviously, solitary egg-laying females won't produce fertile eggs.)
Also refer to Chronic Egg Laying



Clinical Signs:

Loss of appetite, depression, abdominal straining, and sitting fluffed on the bottom of the cage. Some hens may pass large wet droppings while others may not pass any droppings due to the egg's interfering with normal defecation.

If you suspect that your bird is egg-bound, she should be seen by a vet immediately. The veterinarian may be able to feel the egg in the bird's abdomen. An x-ray may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Sometimes medical treatment will enable the hen to pass her egg. Occasionally surgery is necessary.

Complications from being egg bound can be swelling, bleeding or prolapse of the oviduct.



Treatment:

If in doubt as to if the hen is egg bound or not, a few vet sites recommend separation, warmth, warm bath and calcium to all hens in lay that seem distressed.

This is a life-threatening condition and should be addressed by a qualified avian vet. Your vet may discuss:

Calcium shots - immediate solution to help the egg shell harden allowing the hen to hopefully pass it
Lupron shots to stop hens from going into breeding condition
Spaying your hen as a permanent solution


The following are samples of actions that have resolved this problem for some birds (please note: not all hens can be saved, especially if it's critical by the time the problem was discovered and no vet is available or can be reached in time). Egg-bound hens go into profound cardiovascular collapse and may not be able to put in the effort to push the egg out without intervention.

Suspected egg binding: Keep her in a warm area. Provide supportive care.


Place the bird into a steamy room, such as bathroom with shower on until the bathroom mirrors and windows steam up. Desired temperature: 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit / Humidity: 60%. Place bird on wet towel. The warmth relaxes the hen so that the vent can dilate more allowing the egg to pass.


A warm water bath can also be of great help (shallow water, of course, you don't want to drown the hen). Often the hen will pass the egg into the water. Make the water as warm as you would like to take a long soak in.


Massage the muscles in that area with olive oil. In many cases, this lead to a successful passing of the egg. Note: there is a risk associated with messaging this area. It could cause the egg inside to break - which is life-threatening. Be very careful! If in doubt, it's always best to have the vet take care of it ...


Even if the cause is not hypocalcaemia in this hen’s case it will not hurt her to have more calcium.


Applying a personal lubricant, such as KY jelly to her vent may also be helpful.


To reduce swelling on her vent, some breeders reported success in applying Preparation H to her vent.


Successful Passing of the Egg: Following passing of the egg keep the hen in a warm and quiet area separate from the others, until she is out of shock and back to eating and drinking well.


Prevention: Provide bird with high-calorie, high-calcium food to help strengthen future eggs and prevent egg binding.

http://www.avianweb.com/eggbinding.html

Interesting information.