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Cloacal Prolapse
Other Names: Vent Blow Out, Vent Prolapse
Cloacal prolapse occurs when the inner tissues of the hen's body protrude outside through the vent. The condition may occur secondary to chronic straining from egg laying or space-occupying abdominal masses. Early recognition of a prolapse is essential. The longer the tissue remains outside the hen's body, the higher the risk of secondary bacterial infection and damage to the tissues. Prolapsed tissue may also attract the attention of other flock members, who can severely damage the tissue.
As soon as a prolapse is discovered, the hen should immediately be removed from the flock. The tissue needs to be carefully cleaned and irrigated. All debris, fecal material, and egg material should be removed. Once clean, the tissue should be closely examined for any damage. If there is any damage to the tissue or there was a large amount of debris or fecal material present, no attempts should be made to push the tissue back inside the bird. Instead, apply a topical antibacterial product such as honey, and keep the bird separated in a clean, warm, and safe area. Call your veterinarian. Broad spectrum antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications will be needed to help prevent secondary bacterial infection.
If there is no damage to tissue, after applying a water-based lubricant such as KY Jelly, attempts can be made to carefully push the tissue back inside the vent. If the tissue is swollen, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or a solution of 50% dextrose may be need to be applied to the tissue to help reduce the swelling and return to a normal size.
If after several attempts the tissue does not remain inside the vent, a trip to see your veterinarian is necessary. Additional measures may be required for the tissue to remain in place. Various methods may include temporary stay sutures, cloacopexy, or ventplasty.
Case 1: Vegetative endocarditis in a bird with a history of intermit in a Cockatoo A 15-year-old, female cockatoo was presented with a history of intermittent cloacal prolapse of 1-year duration. After each prolapse, the owner would digitally reduce the distended cloacal tissue within approximately 12–24 hours, for short-term resolution. The cockatoo was examined 3 times over a 7-month period and received supportive care with leuprolide acetate, behavioral modification, and diet change. After the third examination, the owner decided to proceed with a surgical cloacopexy. Five days after the last examination and before the procedure was scheduled, the cockatoo was reexamined for acute onset of weakness, anorexia, lethargy, and right-leg paresis. Despite supportive treatment, the cockatoo's clinical condition declined, and it went into respiratory arrest. Resuscitative efforts, including manual ventilation and cardiovascular support, were unsuccessful, and the bird died. Results of postmortem examination revealed vegetative endocarditis with intralesional bacteria cultured as Staphylococcus aureus, right-hindlimb myonecrosis, hepatitis, and nephritis. Ref
Isolate the bird from the flock and place in a safe, comfortable, warm location (your own chicken "intensive care unit") with easy access to water and food.
Cleanse
As soon as a prolapse is discovered, the hen should immediately be removed from the flock. The tissue needs to be carefully cleaned and irrigated. All debris, fecal material, and egg material should be removed. After the tissue is clean, examine it closely for any damage.
If the tissue is contaminated with fecal material and/or extensive amounts of debris
No attempts should be made to push the tissue back inside the bird. Instead, apply a topical antibacterial product such as honey, and keep the bird separated in a clean, warm, and safe area. Call your veterinarian. Broad spectrum antibiotics are needed to help prevent secondary bacterial infection.
If the tissue is damaged
No attempts should be made to push the tissue back inside the bird. Keep the bird separated in a clean, warm, and safe area and call your veterinarian.
If the tissue is not damaged
Apply a water-based lubricant such as KY Jelly and carefully try to push the tissue back inside the vent. If the tissue is swollen, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or a solution of 50% dextrose can be applied to the tissue to help reduce the swelling and return to a normal size.
If the tissue does not remain inside the vent
A trip to see your veterinarian is necessary. Additional measures may be required for the tissue to remain in place. Various methods may include temporary stay sutures, cloacopexy, or ventplasty.
