Prolapsed Cloaca in Birds

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.

• Your bird may seem quiet and depressed and may not move around a lot
• Lack of droppings in the cage 
• Straining to pass droppings or an egg 
• Feathers are fluffed out 
• Blood in the droppings 
• Poor appetite
• Tail bobbing
• Open mouthed breathing
• Excessive grooming, particularly around the vent
• Soiled feathers around the vent
• There may be an odor if infection is present

Types

• Technically a prolapse is either physical or behavioral
• Natural based prolapses where the natural environment and life cycle of your bird causes this condition (for example, chronic egg laying, infection or disease) 
• Unnatural based is considered behavioral (such as potty training your bird to hold off going to the toilet until a certain time)
• Over stimulation is another behavioral issue when a hand raised bird bonds to their human regarding them as a mate or parent; stroking and petting can then overstimulate your bird and causes stretching and opening of the vent

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.

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.