Crop impaction in a juvenile turkey

Abstract

A 5 month old male turkey, presented to CUHA Exotics Service for evaluation of a day history of crop stasis, lethargy, and inappetance. A day prior to presentation to CUHA, the bird was gavage fed warm water, given metoclopramide systemically and offered water with vinegar and no improvements were noted. On presentation, the bird was quiet, alert, and responsive. The crop was moderately distended with firm but compressible material. Crop lavage was attempted but unsuccessful. Blood was collected for baseline blood tests and all results were within normal limits except for an elevated uric acid. The turkey was treated with oral Nystatin, Amikacin and was tube fed. The next day, an ingluviotomy was performed. The crop was grossly thickened on examination and a large amount of straw was removed. Histopathology of a crop biopsy revealed mild multifocal, acute suppurative ingluvitis with bacilli bacteria and mild focal myocyte degeneration. These changes were most likely secondary to distension of the crop. The bird recovered well from the procedure and the surgery site healed with no complications. Uric acid blood levels returned to normal on recheck examination. Prognosis for crop impaction is very good when the underlying problem is resolved. Surgery is often required to remove the foreign material from the crop.