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A prolapse of the cloaca in your bird is very serious and needs immediate attention. There is considerable trauma that can affect the internal organs that are hanging outside the vent and this can have serious health implications for your bird. Cockatoos seem to be prone to this condition, but it has been seen in smaller breeds such as budgies and cockatiels, and in chickens. Replacement of the prolapsed cloaca needs to be immediate. If you can keep the protruding mass clean and moist, preventing it from drying out, reinsertion should be possible by your veterinarian.
The cloaca is part of your bird that is used to store urates, feces, urine and the egg. A prolapse causes it to hang outside the vent.
Your bird is an expert at keeping her illness from showing, due to a hereditary response to the fact that birds that are ill are often targeted by predators as they are easy prey, so you will need to watch your bird and be observant to any changes in personality and behavior.
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A prolapse is hard to miss when you look at your bird unless he is sitting down over it. The large mass extending from the vent can be a shock to new bird owners. It is a good idea to make yourself familiar with how to proceed as time is of the essence once the internal organs are outside of the body. While your veterinarian may be able to determine the cause, first you have to deal with your bird’s condition. If the cloaca is expulsed, it is exposed to air, and can quickly dry out and get infected. At all times the tissue/organs should be kept moist and clean. Gently clean the protruding mass and vent area, by holding it under warm running water and follow with an antiseptic rinse.
Immediately proceed to your avian veterinarian clinic; call ahead first to let them know that you will be arriving. Keep the mass damp and covered and rush your bird to the specialist. Tests that your veterinarian may do once you get your bird to him are abdominal palpation, blood tests and perhaps even an ultrasound or X-rays to view the presence of abdominal masses such as tumors, fecal exams for parasites, and blood panels to determine health and organ function.
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Before the veterinary caregiver does necessary testing, he will want to carefully place the vent back into the proper position. Your vet may need to insert a few stitches into the vent after pushing the contents back inside, to close the opening enough to keep the organs inside yet allow for toiletry concerns. Many birds tend to be hypothermic and will need immediate warming. Your bird may need warm fluids and antibiotics to prevent infection. In severe cases of prolapsed cloaca, surgery is sometimes needed and will range between a minor and more invasive procedure.
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With your bird, a lot depends on its age, what caused the event, and the health and response to treatment. Some birds are prone to this condition and live a good life apart from the occasional lapse. The important thing when handling your bird during a prolapse is to keep things as sterile and clean as possible. Infection can easily take hold with the organs and tissue outside the body.
After the treatment (and especially if surgery was required), your bird will need to take it easy; the prolapse can be a stressful event. Keeping the environment warm and quiet and providing light, easy to digest foods will ensure your bird has the best chance of recovery. It may be a time to reflect on behavioral practices if necessary to ensure your bird doesn’t have this happen again.
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Budgie
Three Months
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My boyfriend who has budgies...1 of the bird among them, has something coming out of its vent...not sure what it is, it is kinda wet. Not sure if it is filled with puss. Please help us so that we can save our baby bird.
Sept. 28, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, without being able to see what is going on, I don't know what that is. If the bird seems fine, it may be normal, but if the Bird seems ill, it would be best to have it seen by a veterinarian. They will be able to examine the brid, see what might be going on, and let you know what treatment might be needed. I hope that all goes well.
Oct. 6, 2020
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Sun tour
Twenty Years
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My vet told me to carefully push it back up in place but every time I do it drops back out
Sept. 27, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I am sorry for the delay, this platform is not set up for urgent emails. Without being able to see your pet, unfortunately, I'm not sure if what you are describing is a problem or not. If your veterinarian is aware of this situation, it would be a good idea to give them a call and let them know that this is happening, and see what they might recommend.
Oct. 10, 2020
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Budgie
6-9 mos
Unknown severity
3 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
This morning I noticed that there was a jelly like poop hanging from my parakeets cloaca. I wiped him clean with a moist wipe. It was dark green in color. My parakeet is happy and eating, is this something I should be worried about?
Aug. 6, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Without seeing the area, I am not sure if you should be worried It would be a good idea to keep a close eye on the area, and if this becomes a common occurrence or if he is showing any signs of illness, then having a veterinarian examine him would be best. I hope that all goes well for him!
Aug. 6, 2020
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Not sure
Two months
Unknown severity
1 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My daughter has some bird which she tried taking it to the Vet but she was told they couldnt see him cause he was a wild bird...his butt area is protruding and she is not sure what to do..he does poop
July 30, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. If it is a wild bird, your daughter will likely need to find someone with a wildlife rescue in the area that has some knowledge and birds. They are typically quite helpful on what to do with these birds, and that would probably be the next step. I hope that all goes well.
July 30, 2020
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Rose
Parakeet
5 Years
Fair severity
2 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
My parakeet also has the thing sticking out of her. Last week she laid 2 perfectly eggs but she bit them. Is thier anything I can do home becuase I don’t really want to go to the vet. She’s had egg bound on her first egg and help her and she was fine but I’m really concerned about her.
Aug. 14, 2018
Rose's Owner
2 Recommendations
If the cloaca/vent is prolapsed there is little that you can do safely at home, this is something to see your Veterinarian about; your Veterinarian will reduce any prolapse and may secure it in place. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM http://veterinarycalendar.dvm360.com/avian-cloacal-prolapses-proceedings
Aug. 15, 2018
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Lily
Umbrella Cockatoo
4 Years
Serious severity
0 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
I have a umbrella cockatoo, and when she has been prolapsing for the last year. I think its behavioral action, bc sometimes she can poop fine. She already saw a specialist in my area, and he did say she did have a bacteria, so they put her on antibiotics for a few months, after the antibiotics she is still prolapsing... so the specialist sold us a lotion/ lube that is applied to the vent... non of this seems to be working, And it's just wasting money. For the last 3 months her belly / chest has been lacking feather growth also. How do we make her stop prolapsing, bc I think it's getting worst. Thx
Idk
Conure
2 Weeks
Mild severity
1 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
We saw a few baby conures like green cheeks and duskys at a parrot store. Then on of them was being stepped on and looked prolapsed I let the guy know and he took her to the back is that normal her intestines were coming out then she had her head down being stepped on again. My baby dusky was in that group so I’m worried.
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