Egg Binding in a Female Pigeon – A Case Report

Abstract

Egg binding is a common reproductive disorder in pet birds of all age and species. In some cases there is no evident clinical sign present, mostly due to the cause of the disorder, but also the species. In other cases, like cockatiels, finches, lovebirds or canaries, signs are more evidentA female pigeon was presented to our clinic with a history of egg laying problem. Based on history, palpation and X-Ray findings the diagnosis was that of egg binding. Due to the fact that the egg was too large to be laid, surgery was the treatment of choice.Under general anesthesia with Butorphanol and Isoflurane, the pigeon was placed in dorsal recumbency, the surgical field was prepped and a midline coeliotomy was performed. Removal of the necrotic egg was achieved by salpingotomy and a Cushing suture (monofilament absorbable 6.0) was used for the lumen closure. The coelom was then closed using a continous pattern (poliglicolic acid 4.0) for the abdominal muscles and a single layer everted pattern for skin (silk 3.0), the last being removed 7 days after the surgical procedure.The bird recovered well after surgery. The postoperative treatment consisted of the