Avian Medicine Q&A 18

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This tawny owl was presented apparently weakened, straining frequently and passing only small volumes of faeces and uric acid.

Question	Answer		Article
What condition was this bird suffering from?	The owl had a cloacal urolith.		Link to Article
What is the recommended treatment?	Once diagnosed the urolith may be broken up inside the cloaca with a pair of forceps and removed piecemeal. A certain amount of local trauma is likely to be caused, hence prophylactic antibiotics should be administered for 3–5 days following removal.		Link to Article
When does the condition most often arise?	The condition arises most often in breeding birds during or following incubation of their eggs. Some birds sit very tight, failing to get off the eggs and void their cloacal contents at irregular intervals. Precipitation of urates in the cloaca can, in time, lead to the formation of a uric acid concretion: a urolith.		Link to Article
List three other causes of abdominal straining.	Enteritis, which, if severe, can lead to intersusception followed by colonic prolapse. Egg binding. Oviductitis, which can lead to a prolapsed oviduct.		Link to Article