CLINICAL MANAGEMENT AND EMERGENCY INTERVENTIONS IN THE TREATMENT OF EGG BINDING IN BIRDS

Abstract

Egg binding is classified as a potentially fatal avian reproductive emergency of multifactorial etiology, characterized by the physiological inability to expel the egg and frequently associated with dystocia and nutritional deficiencies such as hypocalcemia. Management of the condition requires immediate diagnosis, based on clinical evaluation and imaging exams, as well as a staged and integrated therapeutic intervention, resulting in an overall success rate of 72.7% in psittacines. Initial medical management, focused on patient stabilization and calcium supplementation, is essential but demonstrates low efficacy when used alone (33.1%). Mechanical assistance (86.1%) and ovocentesis (85.7%) are the most effective interventions for most non-obstructive cases, with ovocentesis offering lower anesthetic risk. Surgical management (60.6% success rate) is reserved only for critical patients and obstructive dystocia cases. A positive prognosis is associated with factors such as higher body weight and the absence of stuporous states upon admission. Effective control requires correction of chronic nutritional deficiencies and long-term strategies, such as deslorelin implants, to suppress the reproductive cycle and prevent recurrence.