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Cloacal Prolapse
Other Names: Vent Blow Out, Vent Prolapse
Cloacal prolapse occurs when the inner tissues of the hen's body protrude outside through the vent. The condition may occur secondary to chronic straining from egg laying or space-occupying abdominal masses.
Early recognition of a prolapse is essential. The longer the tissue remains outside the hen's body, the higher the risk of secondary bacterial infection and damage to the tissues. Prolapsed tissue may also attract the attention of other flock members, who can severely damage the tissue.
Case 1: Vegetative endocarditis in a bird with a history of intermit in a Cockatoo A 15-year-old, female cockatoo was presented with a history of intermittent cloacal prolapse of 1-year duration. After each prolapse, the owner would digitally reduce the distended cloacal tissue within approximately 12–24 hours, for short-term resolution. The cockatoo was examined 3 times over a 7-month period and received supportive care with leuprolide acetate, behavioral modification, and diet change. After the third examination, the owner decided to proceed with a surgical cloacopexy. Five days after the last examination and before the procedure was scheduled, the cockatoo was reexamined for acute onset of weakness, anorexia, lethargy, and right-leg paresis. Despite supportive treatment, the cockatoo's clinical condition declined, and it went into respiratory arrest. Resuscitative efforts, including manual ventilation and cardiovascular support, were unsuccessful, and the bird died. Results of postmortem examination revealed vegetative endocarditis with intralesional bacteria cultured as Staphylococcus aureus, right-hindlimb myonecrosis, hepatitis, and nephritis. Ref
Isolate the bird from the flock and place in a safe, comfortable, warm location (your own chicken "intensive care unit") with easy access to water and food.
Treatment depends on the severity, level of contamination and underlying cause.
