Avian and exotic pet ownership continues to increase in popularity, and with an increase in the keeping of avian pets comes an increase in the need for the management and treatment of reproductive disorders. Many avian species have a high proclivity towards egg laying and thus can frequently become metabolically compromised by the taxing process of chronic egg production, or through associated reproductive conditions. Despite the relative ease of diagnosis, treatment of reproductive disorders remains challenging. Surgical intervention is considered highly risky and carries a guarded prognosis if the patient presents with underlying health problems or in critical condition, and the inability to surgically remove the ovary caries the risk of secondary complications due to persistent ovarian activity. Medical management is reliant on symptomatic treatment, dietary and environmental modifications, owner compliance and a comprehensive understanding of the avian reproductive process. In most cases, a tailored combination of medical and surgical intervention may be necessary.

This lecture will take you through the unique anatomy and physiology of the avian reproductive tract, the neuroendocrine regulation of reproductive activity, the metabolic process of egg production, reproductive emergencies that can occur in any sexually mature hen regardless of species, and the triage, stabilisation, treatment and ongoing management of reproductive disorders.