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Oviduct Prolapse

Oviduct prolapse occurs when a female duck's oviduct (internal egg laying tube) protrudes outside of her body. The amount protruding is usually the uterus but sometimes the vagina and other portions of the oviduct can prolapse. Oviduct prolapse may occur secondary to any condition that causes chronic, excessive abdominal straining such as normal physiologic hyperplasia, egg laying or dystocia. Associated risk factors related to the development of this condition include abnormal or soft-shelled eggs, salpingitis and cloacitis, malnutrition, and obesity.

Symptoms

Protrusion of the organ outside of the body

Diagnosis

  • History
  • Clinical signs
  • Physical exam

Treatment

MethodMethod Summary
Supportive careIsolate the bird from the flock and place in a safe, comfortable, warm location (your own duck "intensive care unit") with easy access to water and food. Limit stress. Call your veterinarian.
Do not attempt to push the tube back into their body yourself.
Keep the oviduct clean and moist until you get to the vet.
The duck will require aggressive treatment with warm saline flushes, antibiotics, and replacement of the prolapsed oviduct. If the prolapsed oviduct is too swollen dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and topical dextrose and/or steroids may be required to decrease the swelling of the organs.
If there is an egg present in the oviduct that cannot be removed or if the organ is damaged, surgery may be required.

Prevention

References

Blogs

Age Range

Adult female ducks

Risk Factors

  • Female ducks which lay large or abnormally shaped eggs are at risk of developing this condition.

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