Yolk Stroke in Birds

"Yolk stroke" in birds is egg yolk peritonitis, a problem with egg-laying in which the egg doesn't go where it should. It's a common cause of abdominal swelling and is often mistaken for "egg binding," the failure of an egg to pass through at a normal rate.

  1. Non-Septic Yolk Stroke

    • Eggs aren't taken up by the oviduct, the tube that facilitates their passage from the ovaries, and are deposited into the abdomen instead. Yolk materials spread over abdominal organs, causing mild inflammation. If no bacteria are present, the yolk is reabsorbed.

    Signs Of Non-Septic Yolk Stroke

    • Signs of non-septic yolk stroke include abdominal swelling, a wide-based stance, and weight loss.

    Treatment Of Non-Septic Yolk Stroke

    • Treatment is mainly supportive. Severe symptoms, however, may necessitate surgery to remove the yolk material.

    Septic Yolk Stroke

    • Septic yolk stroke occurs when bacteria are present. More common than non-septic yolk stroke, it causes severe abdominal inflammation, congestion, scarring, and the adhesion (abnormal union) of all abdominal organs.

    Signs of Septic Yolk Stroke

    • Signs of septic yolk stroke include abdominal swelling, respiratory distress, depression, loss of appetite, and even sudden death.

    Treatment of Septic Yolk Stroke

    • Treatment includes heat, fluids, antibiotics, and high protein foods. Surgery removes pus and infected yolk material. Pet birds undergoing surgery usually receive a hysterectomy at the same time, which prevents the disease from recurring.