Diagnosis and Surgical Repair of an Acute Abdominal Wall Hernia and Partial Cloacal Strangulation in a Yellow-Naped Amazon Parrot ().

Abstract

A 38-year-old female, intact yellow-naped Amazon parrot () presented with an acute swelling along the ventrocaudal body wall, hematochezia, and tenesmus. Physical examination identified a defect in the ventral body wall. Bimodal pain management was initiated at presentation and hematochezia and tenesmus resolved. Radiographic imaging and contrast fluoroscopy identified a partial cloacal strangulation. An exploratory celiotomy was performed. Adhesions to the body wall were identified and broken down, the cloacal position was corrected, and the abdominal musculature repaired. Contrast fluoroscopy performed 72 hours after surgery confirmed normal positioning of the cloaca. Follow-up examinations documented proper postoperative healing of the hernia repair and maintenance of visibly normal passage of droppings. Although various abdominal hernias have been described in birds, this case demonstrates an unreported variation involving partial cloacal strangulation in a parrot.