VN July 2023

Vetnews | Julie 2023 33 Common Avian Clinical Problems Part II Dr Coetzee de Beer BVSc (Hons) MANZCVS (Avian Health) Disorders affecting the Reproductive Tract The Male Reproductive Tract Disorders of the testes • Congenital o Abnormalities include:  Abnormally shaped testes  Fusion of the cranial poles  Hypoplasia  Agenesis o Usually, there are no clinical signs, although aviary birds may be presented for infertility investigation. o Diagnosed by Endoscopy o No treatment feasible • Non-inflammatory o Degenerative  Associated with various drugs and toxins, e.g. furazolidone, copper fungicides, mercury  Diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy or needle aspiration cytology o Atrophy  Often the end stage of degenerative changes • Inflammatory (Orchitis) o Aetiology  Bacterial – E coli, Salmonella, Pasteurella spp  Fungal – extension from fungal air saculitis  Mycobacterial – extension from systemic disease  Chlamydial – extension from systemic disease o Transmission - can be haematogenous spread or an ascending infection from the cloaca/phallus o Clinical signs – no clinical signs seen unless the bird is septicaemic o Diagnosis  Aspiration cytology  Endoscopic biopsy o Treatment  Antimicrobial therapy, as indicated  Surgical Orchidectomy  GnRH Agonist Deslorelin (Suprelorin 4.7mg implant) • Neoplastic o reported in numerous species o tumours seen include:  Sertoli cell tumours (most common)  Interstitial cell tumours  Seminomas  Teratomas  Lymphosarcoma  Teratoma  Leiomyosarcoma and carcinoma of the ductus deferens and epididymis o Clinical signs:  chronic weight loss  abdominal distension  unilateral paresis of leg (due to sciatic nerve compression)  cere colour change in budgies (blue to brown – note, this colour change is not pathognemonic for Sertoli Cell tumours) o Diagnosis – endoscopic biopsy. On endoscopic examination the testicle may appear cystic, and can be confused with an immature ovary. o Treatment  Orchidectomy  good prognosis if no metastatic disease  GnRH Agonist Deslorelin (Suprelorin 4.7mg implant) • Disorders of the Phallus o Prolapse  Aetiology • Seen in ratites and waterfowl • Associated with sexual overwork • Inflammatory changes at the base of the phallus, occasionally associated with chronic bacterial infection, can maintain the prolapse even though the bird is sexually inactive  Clinical signs • Prolapsed phallus protruding from the vent • End of the phallus may become traumatised and/or necrotic from chronic exposure and contact with the ground Technical I Article >>> 34