Egg binding in pigeons
Other names: Trapped egg
Symptoms
- Female fluffed up on the floor, tail bobbing, swollen abdomen
Diagnosis
Palpation/X-ray.
Treatment
Warmth and humidity, injectable calcium by the veterinarian. [Update 3] Merck: supportive care first (fluids, injectable calcium, warmth and humidity in an incubator at 29-32°C) before attempting to expel the egg; oxytocin, arginine vasotocin or prostaglandin help lay the egg if it is not stuck; if that fails, manual extraction under anesthesia or egg aspiration. Another egg may come the next day.
Prevention
Minerals, calcium and grit always available, avoid mating too early.
Treatment and doses are decided by an avian vet after an exam; Zajel does not publish doses.