Cloacal Diseases in Companion Parrots: A Retrospective Study of 43 Cases (2012-2018)

Cloacal disease is considered a common presenting complaint in companion parrots. The purpose of this study was to better characterize the prevalence of cloacal disease within a population of owned psittacine birds. Medical records of all owned parrots presented to an exotic animal specialty service between July 2012 and January 2018 were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of cloacal disease. Cloacal disease was identified in 43 of 1137 cases (3.8%). Cockatoos presented with cloacal disease significantly more often than other psittacine groups (P < .001). Female parrots presented with cloacal disease significantly more often than males and unsexed birds (P < .001). Cockatoos with cloacal disease predominantly presented with prolapse of the cloaca itself (P = .006). There was no significant difference in outcome based on taxonomic group, sex, or primary cloacal pathology. Prospective studies with parrot species are encouraged to have an increased understanding of the behavioral and medical conditions that result in cloacal disease. These studies would hopefully facilitate the development of better treatment options for this relatively common disease presentation.