Cloacal Prolapse in Raptors: Review of 16 Cases

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Avian Surgery
• Wildlife Rehabilitation

Background:

• Cloacal prolapse is a serious condition in raptors.
• Understanding common presentations and complications is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review cases of cloacal prolapse in raptors.
• To identify common types, affected species, complications, and treatment outcomes.
• To evaluate a novel surgical technique for colonic prolapse.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of sixteen cloacal prolapse cases in raptors.
• Analysis of prolapse type, species, surgical interventions, complications, and treatment success.
• Description of a novel technique involving rubber tubing for colonic anastomosis.

Main Results:

• Colonic prolapse occurred in 56% of cases, with Red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) being overrepresented (66%).
• Postsurgical stricture was a common complication of colonic resection and anastomosis.
• A novel technique using rubber tubing facilitated secure, fluid-tight colonic anastomosis with maintained lumen.
• Oviductal prolapse (31%) had a guarded prognosis with 40% treatment success.
• Cloacoliths (13%) were successfully treated with manual removal.

Conclusions:

• Colonic prolapse is the most frequent cloacal abnormality in raptors, often affecting Red-tailed hawks.
• A novel surgical approach shows promise for improving outcomes in colonic prolapse cases.
• Oviductal prolapse presents a significant challenge with limited treatment success.