title: Observations on the significance of diagnostic findings in egg-binding of Psittaciformes.
abstract: Clinical examination of 2192 psittacine birds of both sexes revealed a prevalence of 2.74 per cent (60 birds) of egg-binding. Domesticated species easily bred in captivity were the most commonly affected; the prevalence in cockatiels (15.75 per cent), and in budgerigars (5.73 per cent). An accurate diagnosis was possible in all cases by means of an evaluation of the case history, a visual examination, palpation and radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations. The case history alone was typical in 60 per cent of the cases, and reliable diagnosis was reached with the help of a visual examination in 70 per cent of the cases. Radiographic examination provided a definitive diagnosis in 30 per cent of the cases, especially in those with shelled eggs. Medullary bone proved to be a radiographic indication of laminated and thin-shelled eggs. However, laminated and thin-shelled eggs could only be differentiated definitively from abdominal masses, salpingitis and cystic degeneration by means of ultrasonography.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Geflügelkrankheiten, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Germany.
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Krautwald-Junghanns
authors.forename: V M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Kostka
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hofbauer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010057:Oviducts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010066:Ovum Transport; D015995:Prevalence; D011563:Psittaciformes; D011859:Radiography; D012488:Salpingitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary; D013045:Species Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography