Cloacal Prolapse in Raptors: Review of 16 Cases

Cloacal Diseases in Companion Parrots: A Retrospective Study of 43 Cases (2012-2018)

Cloacal disease is considered a common presenting complaint in companion parrots. The purpose of this study was to better characterize the prevalence of cloacal disease within a population of owned psittacine birds. Medical records of all owned parrots presented to an exotic animal specialty service between July 2012 and January 2018 were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of cloacal disease. Cloacal disease was identified in 43 of 1137 cases (3.8%). Cockatoos presented with cloacal disease significantly more often than other psittacine groups (P < .001). Female parrots presented with cloacal disease significantly more often than males and unsexed birds (P < .001). Cockatoos with cloacal disease predominantly presented with prolapse of the cloaca itself (P = .006). There was no significant difference in outcome based on taxonomic group, sex, or primary cloacal pathology. Prospective studies with parrot species are encouraged to have an increased understanding of the behavioral and medical conditions that result in cloacal disease. These studies would hopefully facilitate the development of better treatment options for this relatively common disease presentation.

Asymmetrical Cloacoplasty for the Treatment of Chronic Cloacal Prolapse in Psittaciformes: A Case Series

Chronic cloacal prolapse is a common condition in psittacine birds, particularly in cockatoos and African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus). Techniques to permanently reduce the prolapse have been developed and include cloacal sutures, percutaneous cloacopexy, and open circumcostal or rib cloacopexy. Several complications, some of which are life-threatening, have been reported with these tissue reduction techniques. Cloacoplasty surgeries have also been advocated, but most often as an adjunct therapy. Recurrence of cloacal prolapse may occur in traditional symmetrical cloacoplasty techniques since straining pressure remains. In this case series, 5 psittacine birds (2 male and 2 female umbrella cockatoos [Cacatua alba] and 1 male African grey parrot) with chronic recurrent cloacal prolapses were treated with a novel asymmetrical cloacoplasty technique. A semicircular excision at the mucocutaneous junction from the right side with a 2-layer closure reduced the cloacal opening by 50%-75%. A tension-relieving suture was applied to aid in healing of the incision. All 5 cases had successful outcomes with no recurrent prolapses (6 months to 3 years of follow-up), except for 1 case, due to incisional dehiscence. This animal underwent a second surgical procedure that incorporated the tension-relieving suture and has not had a recurrent prolapse in over a year. This asymmetrical cloacoplasty technique provides a simple but effective method of cloacal prolapse treatment and prevention in cases of recurrent and chronic cloacal prolapses, and creates a midline physical barrier not present in symmetrical cloacoplasties. Long-term complications may include cloacolith formation or dystocia in females, and therefore reproductive management of female birds is required.

Cloacal impaction with cloacolith in a black-legged seriema (Chunga burmeisteri)

A 5-year-old intact female black-legged seriema (Chunga burmeisteri) was presented for behavioral changes and slight decrease in activity (minor vocalization and less mobility in enclosure). Physical examination revealed a firm, moderate dilation in the caudal coelom. A semi-spherical mass of greater radiodensity than soft tissues was observed in the region of the cloaca on radiographs. A cloacolith measuring approximately 4x3.7x3 cm was extracted manually. Cloacoliths are uncommon conditions in birds, and this case is the first record of cloacolith in Chunga burmeisteri.