Abstract

Female reproductive tract disorders are common conditions of backyard poultry with an increasing demand for individual veterinary care. However, only limited case reports are available on diagnostic workup and outcomes of individual cases. This study aims at giving an overview of usually presented reproductive tract disorders, comparing diagnostic imaging findings with final diagnoses, and summarizing the outcome of the respective diseases. The digital medical records archive of the University for Veterinary Medicine in Vienna was searched for chickens that were finally diagnosed with diseases of the reproductive tract, including all patients from May 1st, 2009 to May 31st, 2019. Information such as patient age, medical history, results of diagnostic imaging, final confirmed diagnosis, outcome, surgical protocol and necropsy findings was extracted. Finally confirmed reproductive tract diseases were found in 57 of 315 female chickens. The most common conditions were egg-related coelomitis along with salpingitis or impacted salpinx (25/57), followed by ovarian or oviductal neoplasia (17/57). Clinical findings were unspecific in the majority of cases, but most conspicuous were chickens presented with a distended coelomic cavity and apathy. Coelomic ultrasonography as well as computed tomography proved to be valuable tools for distinguishing between the respective conditions. However, ultrasonography alone mainly failed (10/11) to differentiate between ovary or oviductal neoplasia and egg-related coelomitis with salpingitis or impacted salpinx, respectively. Computed tomography was perceived as a superior tool for final diagnosis. In total 6/6 CT-scans correctly made a definitive diagnosis. Nevertheless, accurate diagnosis was only possible after celiotomy with the necessity of consecutive surgery for most of the reported cases. As an overall outcome 34 of 57 patients were either euthanised or died, whereas only 23 chickens could be successfully treated and discharged. Several hens were reported to be doing well at home, according to regular check-up procedures within 4 years post-surgery. Diagnostic work-up and treatment of hens with reproductive tract diseases can be challenging. Clinical presentation and diagnostic imaging provide important information, still celiotomy is often required for final diagnosis. The condition of the chickens is usually serious. Within our study, 40 % of the hens could be treated successfully. Therefore, a realistic assessment of each individual case and clarification for the owners are important.

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