Dogtor Bob

𝙏𝙬𝙤 𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙮 𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨. 𝙏𝙬𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙨. 𝙏𝙬𝙤 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨. 🦜🩺

These two small conures (60-70g) presented for dystocia/retained egg complications, but each had already undergone attempted medical or minimally invasive management elsewhere. Unfortunately for these parrots their eggs collapsed. Once an egg collapses, it often becomes significantly more difficult to remove safely, and surgery usually becomes the best option.

Both birds underwent stabilisation first, including repeated radiographs, vascular access (IV or IO catheter placement), IV fluids, analgesia, and butorphanol CRIs.

For anaesthesia, both patients were intubated, ventilated, and fully monitored using capnography, ECG, and Doppler cardiovascular monitoring.

𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡
A 𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙢𝙞𝙙𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙮 was performed in both birds. This approach offers excellent exposure of the gastrointestinal and reproductive tract while helping avoid unnecessary entry into the caudal abdominal air sacs. Fortunately, neither bird had salpinx perforation or egg yolk coelomitis.

That meant a 𝙨𝙖𝙡𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙤𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙮 could be performed! Opening the oviduct, removing the retained egg material, and preserving the reproductive tract. If the salpinx is ruptured or severely damaged, resection may be required. However, complete ovariectomy in birds is considered highly advanced (“heroic”) surgery due to the substantial risk of catastrophic haemorrhage.

𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 & 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Following removal, the coelom was lavaged and suctioned, routine closure performed, and a 𝙎𝙪𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙣 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙩 placed in each bird. This helps suppress reproductive drive and reduce further egg-laying behaviour while allowing the tract time to heal.

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲
Egg binding is not always “simple.” In small parrots, retained or collapsed eggs can rapidly become life-threatening and require advanced imaging, anaesthesia, surgery, and intensive aftercare.

Both of these tiny patients recovered beautifully. 💚

Since starting my page I strive to share stories of recovery and hope. But today, I want to acknowledge the other side of my journey as a veterinarian… the moments when we lose a patient. Last week, I lost a patient who held a special place in my heart and was loved so dearly by her family. It was a reminder that while we strive for positive outcomes, we also face heartbreak, often.

To all the pet owners who trust me with your companions, thank you. Your animals are not just patients just as they are not just pets, but family. And while there are times when we can’t change the outcome, we can always strive to ease their suffering and provide comfort in their final moments. 🌈

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey. I hope to honour the memory of those we’ve lost and celebrate the love they brought into our lives. ❤️