Hypocalcemic egg binding in a cockatiel

Abstract

Egg binding in birds has many causes, and must always be considered an emergency because it has many potential serious consequences. Egg binding can usually be diagnosed with only history, physical examination, and radiography. Initial treatment consists of stabilization with fluids and warmth, lubrication of the vent, and calcium support. In many cases, this is enough to lead to oviposition within a few hours. More aggressive treatments include expression under anesthesia, collapsing the egg by transabdominal or percloacal aspiration of the contents, and surgical salpingohysterectomy. Medical management of egg binding is not recommended due to the increased risk of oviduct rupture. Once the egg is removed, it is important to prevent reoccurrence through a combination of husbandry changes, behavioral modification, hormonal management, or salpingohysterectomy.