Avian Health Complications in Laying Hens

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Questions and Answers

What can be the result of damage to the epithelium of the magnum or shell gland?

Neoplasia in the adrenal glands

Small eggs with reduced albumen or eggs with defective shells (correct)

Egg binding

Sex reversal in poultry

What can cause the development of male secondary sexual characteristics in affected females?

Neoplasia in the adrenal glands or ovary (correct)

Vitamin E deficiency

Overcrowding

Egg binding

What is egg binding?

The failure of an egg to pass through the oviduct at a normal rate (correct)

The development of male characteristics in females

The failure of the hen to lay eggs

The production of abnormal eggs

What can be a cause of egg binding?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign of egg binding?

Persistent tail wagging or straining Signup and view all the answers

What should be done first when treating a bird with egg binding?

Stabilize the patient Signup and view all the answers

What can be a complication of egg binding?

Leg weakness or paralysis Signup and view all the answers

What can happen to a hen if its normal left ovary is destroyed by infection?

The vestigial right organ will develop as a testicle Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended waiting period before intervening to help a hen pass an egg?

20 minutes Signup and view all the answers

Why should you not press directly down onto the egg when trying to help a hen pass it?

This may push the hard shell against the kidneys, adrenal glands, and ovary Signup and view all the answers

What could be a complication of successfully helping a hen pass an egg?

The hen may produce more eggs Signup and view all the answers

What type of medication may be administered to a hen to promote uterine contractions?

Oxytocin Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible course of action if a hen shows signs of severe depression while trying to pass an egg?

Seek immediate veterinary treatment Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible veterinary procedure to help a hen pass an egg?

Ovocentesis, or collapsing the egg after draining its contents Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential consequence of repeated egg binding in birds?

Peritonitis Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential cause of weakness or paralysis in birds?

Kidney damage or infection Signup and view all the answers

What is the condition characterized by the extrusion of the interior cloaca and uterus to the exterior?

Prolapse of the oviduct and cloaca Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential consequence of a bird's stressed immune system?

Secondary infection Signup and view all the answers

What is the condition that can be treated with oral calcium supplements over a week to ten days?

Hypocalcaemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the common factor that can increase the likelihood of a prolapse of the oviduct and uterus?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of atresia or atrophy of the ovary in poultry?

Severe stress, chronic infections, and insufficient feed intake Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible consequence of 4-egg-bound or impacted oviducts in poultry?

Layers of albumen and yolk material accumulate in the oviduct Signup and view all the answers

Why may obese females be less efficient in transporting sperm to the infundibulum?

Because of their inefficient reproductive tract Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of infertility in poultry due to male management problems?

Inadequate number of healthy males Signup and view all the answers

At what age can infectious bronchitis virus infections cause hypoplasia of the ovary and oviduct?

1-2 weeks Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible cause of 4-egg-bound or impacted oviducts in poultry?

Egg size is too big Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic posture of hens with 4-egg-bound or impacted oviducts?

A penguin-like posture Signup and view all the answers

Why is male dominance important in poultry reproduction?

Because mating will not occur if males are not dominant to the females Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended method to replace prolapsed tissue?

By pushing it back in place with a moistened swab or cotton bud Signup and view all the answers

Why is veterinary assistance recommended in cases of prolapse?

If it's a valuable bird, an egg is caught in prolapsed tissue, or if there is significant tissue damage Signup and view all the answers

What is the common sequela of prolapse?

Uterine infection Signup and view all the answers

What is the treatment for oviduct impaction?

Surgical intervention Signup and view all the answers

What is the usual cause of oviduct impaction?

Egg binding Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical outcome for birds with oviduct impaction?

They can survive but not breed Signup and view all the answers

What is the treatment for oophoritis?

Supportive care with warmth, fluids, and nutrition Signup and view all the answers

What is the common sign of oophoritis?

Depression and anorexia Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hypoplasia of the Ovary and Oviduct

Hypoplasia of the ovary and oviduct can be associated with infectious bronchitis virus infections at an early age (1-2 weeks).
Atresia or atrophy of the ovary can be caused by severe stress, chronic infections, insufficient feed intake, inadequate feeder space, and feed refusal due to mycotoxins in the feed.

4-Egg-Bound or Impacted Oviducts in Poultry

A fully formed egg may lodge in the shell gland or vagina due to the egg being too big (e.g., double-yolked) or because of hypocalcaemia, calcium tetany, or previous trauma to the vent and/or vagina that obstructs oviposition.
This condition may be more prevalent in young hens that are brought into production before body development is adequate or in hens that are overweight or obese.
It occurs more often during spring and summer months due to overstimulation of birds by increasing light intensity and day length, which can be compounded by rapid increases in the amount of feed and/or excessive protein (lysine).
When impaction occurs, eggs that continue to form create layers of albumen and yolk material, and the oviduct becomes very large.

5-Infertility in Poultry

Infertility caused by male management problems is common.
Problems may be caused by an inadequate number of healthy males or because males have reduced sperm production resulting from chronic disease, inadequate feed intake, or starvation (harsh feed restriction).
Obese females may be less efficient in transporting sperm to the infundibulum, resulting in reduced fertilization of the ovum as it is released from the ovary.

7-Sex Reversal in Poultry

If the normal left ovary of a hen is destroyed by infection, the vestigial right organ may develop as a testicle and the hen may develop male characteristics.
Neoplasia in the adrenal glands or ovary that result in the production of testosterone could also cause the development of male secondary sexual characteristics (comb and wattles) in affected females.

8-EGG BINDING

Egg binding is the failure of an egg to pass through the oviduct at a normal rate.
Causes of egg binding include oviduct muscle dysfunction due to nutritional deficiencies, malformed eggs, excessive egg production, previous reproductive tract damage or infection, obesity, lack of exercise, and other stress factors.
Signs of egg binding include depression, reluctance to fly or perch, persistent tail wagging or straining, a wide-based stance ("penguin stance"), a hard swollen abdomen, and leg weakness or paralysis.

Treatment of Egg Binding

Stabilize the patient before attempting to deliver the egg.
Provide supplemental heat, food, and water, and lubricate the vent with KY jelly or Vaseline.
Wait at least 20 minutes for the bird to pass the egg on its own before intervening.
If the hen stays stable but does not pass the egg, a short attempt at gentle manipulation of the egg can be attempted.

9-PROLAPSE OF THE OVIDUCT AND UTERUS

Prolapse of the oviduct and uterus is an extrusion of the interior cloaca and uterus to the exterior.
It can occur following normal egg laying but is especially common after an episode of egg binding.
Treatment involves keeping exposed tissues moist and clean with copious amounts of saline solution or a dilute iodine solution.

10-OVIDUCT IMPACTION

Oviduct impaction is the binding up in the uterus of successive eggs, egg yolk material, and pus material.
This problem usually occurs secondary to egg binding or uterine infection.
Signs include a stop in egg production, progressive loss of condition, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal enlargement, and a reluctance to fly or walk.

11-OOPHORITIS

Oophoritis is inflammation or infection of the ovary, usually secondary to systemic disease.
Signs are difficult to distinguish from any other systemic disease, including depression, anorexia, wasting, and death.

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Description

This quiz covers various health complications that can affect laying hens, including egg binding, infections, and other serious conditions. Understand the risks and consequences of these health issues in poultry.