ABSTRACT
Egg binding, or dystocia, is the disorder in which a bird is unable to expel an egg from her reproductive tract. Egg binding can be caused by abnormal eggs, disorders of the reproductive tract or disorders outside the reproductive tract. Birds with egg binding are often short of breath, dehydrated and severely weakened. Paresis or paralysis of legs can occur due to pressure by the egg on nerves in the pelvic area. X-rays can confirm the diagnosis of egg binding and provide information about how many eggs are involved and the size, shape, shell thickness and location of the eggs. In cases of egg binding without severe dyspnea, paralysis of legs and/or visibility of an egg in the cloaca, patients should first be stabilized using fluid therapy, heat, oxygen and nutrition. Stress slows down the laying process. Birds with egg binding are placed in a warm and quiet area.
