LEHIGH VALLEY ANIMAL HOSPITAL

CASE PRESENTATION:  Bella’s Story

VETERINARIAN AND STAFF
Kimberly Mickley, DVM, DABVP-Avian
Staff of LVAH

PATIENT
Bella, a 4 year old female Eclectus Parrot

PRESENTING COMPLAINT
Bella presented to LVAH for sitting at the bottom of her cage,  lethargy, and straining for a period of a few hours.  Per her owner, she was acting broody (reproductively active).

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
During Bella’s examination, it was noted she sat hunched and her eyes were closed a lot of the time.  She was breathing a little heavier than normal and her coelom (abdomen) felt doughy and “thicker” than normal.  A soft shelled egg was suspected to be in her reproductive tract, but there also could have been fluid or a mass.  When an egg is “stuck” in the reproductive tract, it can be referred to as “egg bound.”

DIAGNOSIS/TREATMENT
Because a soft shelled egg was suspected, a lateral radiograph was taken.  On the radiograph, you can see the large soft shelled egg in the reproductive tract (see below).  Soft shelled eggs are not normal and this is usually due to calcium deficiency (improper diet) in the diet. Bella also had some bloodwork done which was indicative of her reproductive issue.  Bella was placed under general anesthesia and the egg was collapsed using a needle and syringe (ovocentesis).  She was placed in a special incubator which provided heat and humidity.  She was placed in a quiet area to allow her to rest and hopefully pass the rest of the egg.  She passed the egg within 2 hours after her recovery.  She was given and injection of calcium, a lupron injection (to help control hormones), subcutaneous fluids, pain medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, and an antibiotic. She was started on antibiotics because this procedure can lead to infections in the coelom.  The night of the procedure, she began eating and had a normal appearing dropping.  She went home two days after the procedure on medications.  A few days after discharge, her owner called and said she laid another egg but, this time, there were no problems and the egg was more normal.  Bella is doing well at this time!

GENERAL INFORMATION

We recommend all birds, small mammals, and reptiles have annual examination just like our cat and dog friends. Bella’s owners care for her deeply and allowed us to perform diagnostics to draw up a treatment plan. Because we were able to take a radiograph of Bella’s whole body (see boxed area to the right), we were able to conclude there was a large soft shelled egg in her coelom and treat and manage her appropriately.  It is important to know there are options for our other furry and feathered friends to pursue if they are having health issues. Some of these options include bloodwork, radiographs, supportive care, surgical procedures, ultrasound, and even MRI! Do not hesitate to contact a veterinarian who has experience with exotic animal medicine and surgery to set up an appointment for your pet. It is important to establish a relationship with a qualified, compassionate veterinarian before issues arise.

Thank you to Bella and her family for allowing us to use her story!

If you have additional questions or concerns about your furry or feathered friend, please contact Dr. Mickley at Lehigh Valley Animal Hospital, the Allentown office.