ABSTRACT
Spinal bifida occurs sporadically in pet birds. Incomplete closure of the embryonic neural tube results in an incompletely formed spinal cord. In addition, the vertebrae overlying the open portion of the spinal cord do not fully form and remain unfused and open. Lateral deviation and curvature of the spine occurs due to apical malformations of vertebrae. In poultry it has been associated with genetics, melatonin deficiency through pinealectomy or continuous light exposure. Osteomalacia, or osteoporosis, is a similar condition to rickets, occurring in adult birds housed indoors and suffering from a vitamin D3 deficiency. Fractures of long bones that have a solid medullary cavity can be difficult to repair as, without a medullary and endosteal blood supply, there may be a poor blood supply to the fracture site. Systemic antibiotic therapy should be directed by culture and continued long term (2–3 months).
