Duck Prolapsed Vent: What Are The Causes and How To Treat Such Condition?

Duck prolapsed vent, also known as “blowout,” is a serious condition where the internal tissues of the reproductive tract push outwards through the vent. This alarming sight can leave duck owners feeling panicked and unsure of how to proceed.

Now, what causes ducks or chickens to have prolapsed vent? Cloacal prolapse occurs when long-term strain is put onto the vent. Usually, the reasons are both physical and behavioral. For this,  you can apply via surgery and behavior modification therapy.

This article is the perfect guideline for people who see their ducks having the issue. So, make sure you don’t leave until you have complete knowledge of this topic!

What Causes Duck Prolapsed Vent? 7 Common Causes!

Discovering a prolapsed vent in your duck can be tensioning. However, understanding its potential causes is crucial for effective handling. 

Here are key factors contributing to this condition:

1. Egg laying complications

• Dystocia causes difficulty passing eggs due to size, shape, or internal blockages.
• Eggs that are too large for the duck to pass naturally.
• Soft-shelled eggs with weak or incompletely formed shells.
• Prolonged straining during egg laying can weaken the tissues around the vent.

2. Internal Troubles

• Inflammation is a trouble here! Infections, tumors, or other internal problems can weaken the tissues and make them more susceptible to prolapse.
• The uterus itself may prolapse, causing a larger mass to protrude from the vent.

3. Nutritional Deficiencies

• Calcium is essential for strong and elastic tissues, and a deficiency can make them more prone to prolapse.
• Vitamin D plays a role in calcium absorption, and a deficiency can contribute to calcium deficiency and weaken tissues.

4. Obesity

Excessive weight puts pressure on the internal organs. It includes the reproductive tract, increasing the risk of prolapse.

5. Trauma or injury

Physical damage to the vent area, such as from a fall or attack by another animal, can cause the tissues to prolapse.

6. Ducks Age

Older ducks are more susceptible to prolapse due to decreased muscle tone and tissue elasticity.

7. Genetic Problem

Some breeds may be predisposed to prolapse because of their genetics.

What Does a Prolapsed Vent Look Like in Ducks? 11 Symptoms To Check!

Seeing a prolapsed vent in ducks can be scary. But don’t worry! If you know what it looks like, checking for symptoms can help you get your duck the right treatment quickly.

A prolapsed vent looks like a pink or red mass sticking out from the duck’s bottom. It might be wet, slimy, and sometimes bleeding. Sometimes, it can be pretty big.

Here are things to watch out for:

1. Visible Protrusion

This is when the duck’s bottom shows a part called the cloaca or oviduct sticking out. It can be a little bit or a lot.

2. Swelling and Redness

The duck’s bottom might look swollen and red because it’s irritated. Sometimes, it may bleed a little.

3. Struggling to Lay Eggs

Ducks can struggle to lay their eggs. They may seem to be pushing very hard and spending extra time in the nest. Sometimes, the eggs they lay are not the normal shape.

Related Reading: When Do Ducks Stop Laying Eggs

4. Feeling Uncomfortable

Ducks might act uncomfortable, like being lazy, not moving much, or making sounds to show they’re not feeling good.

5. Dirty Feathers

Because the inside part is showing, the feathers around the bottom might get dirty with poop or other yucky stuff.

6. Egg Binding

Egg bound or egg binding is when an egg gets stuck inside, and it’s serious. If not fixed fast, it can be really dangerous. However, the problem looks like the given pictures.

7. Preening or Pecking a Lot

Ducks might clean or peck around their bottom more than usual to try to feel better.

8. Straining to Poop

Ducks might look like they’re having a hard time going to the bathroom.

9. Not Wanting to Eat

Ducks might not want to eat and seem tired.

10. Pale Gums

The inside of their mouth might look pale, which is a sign they could be sick and have prolapsed vent.

11. Stuff Coming Out

There might be some weird stuff coming out from their bottom, like bloody or pus-like liquid.

Can A Duck Live With a Prolapsed Vent?

Sadly, a duck can’t be okay with a prolapsed vent for too long. This happens when part of the oviduct sticks out from the duck’s body. If it’s not fixed quickly, it can cause infection, pain, and other troubles.

Here’s why a prolapsed vent is a big problem for a duck:

• Risk of Infection: The part that’s sticking out can easily get infected by germs around it. This can make the duck very sick, and it might even be really serious.
• Pain and Discomfort: The prolapsed vent hurts the duck. It makes it hard for her to move, eat, and live a normal life.
• Pecking by Other Ducks: Other ducks might peck at the part that’s sticking out, making it worse. This can make the problem harder to fix.
• Difficulty Going to the Bathroom: The prolapsed vent can make it hard for the duck to go to the bathroom. So, an uncomfortable situation is always there with such conditions.
• Trouble Laying Eggs: If the prolapse is because of laying eggs, it can make the duck really upset. As a consequence, other problems like egg binding might be noticed.
• Coming Back Again: Even if the ducks get better with treatment, the prolapse can happen again. This means the ducks need ongoing care, and it’s always a risk to her health.

How to Care for a Duck with Prolapsed Vent Until the Treatment?

If your duck has a prolapsed vent, it’s a serious issue, and you should get help from a vet as soon as possible. In the meantime, here’s what you should do. 

Isolate Your Duck

Keep the duck away from other ducks to prevent them from pecking or hurting the prolapsed part. Put the duck in a quiet and clean space, like a small dog crate with a soft bed.

Keep it Clean

Use a warm saltwater solution (1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water) to clean the prolapsed part gently. Don’t use strong chemicals or soaps. Put a lubricant like KY jelly or petroleum jelly on it to keep it wet and stop it from drying.

Relieve Pain

Ask the vet about giving the duck pain relief like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and follow their advice carefully.

Adjust the Diet

Don’t give the duck any food for 24 hours to avoid straining. After 24 hours, offer small amounts of fresh greens and water. Avoid giving too much or hard foods that could make it strain.

Reduce Stress

Don’t handle the duck too much or make loud noises that might stress it out. Keep the environment calm to help it heal.

Related Readings:

• Why Do Ducks Get Stressed
• Can Ducks Get Marek’s Disease
• Angel Wings in Ducks
• How to Treat Water Belly In Ducks

Watch Closely

Check the prolapsed part regularly for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or discharge. Keep an eye on the duck’s overall health and behavior.

How to Treat Prolapsed Vent? 5 DIY Tips

Here comes the treatment section for your backyard ducks. If you feel they’re in big trouble with such a serious condition, follow my treatment guidelines –

1. Separate the Duck: Put the sick duck away from the other ducks to keep it safe. Place the duck in a small dog crate with a comfy bed.
2. Fixing the Prolapse: Take the ducks to the vet to gently try to put the prolapse back in place. Sometimes, they use medicine to make the duck sleepy.
3. Change the Duck’s Diet: The vet may suggest not giving the duck food for a bit. Then, give soft food to avoid stressing it.
4. Keep an Eye on the Duck: Watch for signs of infection. For example, redness or swelling, and make sure the duck is eating and moving around.
5. Visit the Vet Again: Go to all the vet appointments to check how the duck is doing.

See the video for more tips about treating this problem in ducks.

How do you treat prolapsed vent and necrotic flesh hanging out?

You may notice that the rope-type flesh is visibly thinner and shorter. If soaking didn’t solve the problem, should you cut it off? No!

If the problem looks like the given images, ensure you try soaking and cleaning that part one more time.

According to some avian experts, they recommend soaking the area again in water and Betadine. After removing her from the water, apply Vetericyn to the protruding tissue. While it’s still wet, carefully push it back inside, an inch at a time, using gloved fingers. Begin with the part closest to the vent.

What is the prolapsed cloaca treatment cost?

The treatment cost may vary based on the prolapsed vent problems. But here is an estimated cost table that you can keep in mind when taking your duck to the vet.

However, some facts will surely affect the cost. For example –

• Necrotic Tissue: If there’s dead tissue with the prolapse, taking it out can add to the treatment cost.
• Expert Vets Demand: Specialized vets for birds may charge more. This is because they have advanced skills compared to general vets.
• Location Matters: Where you live can affect how much you pay for vet services.

Can A Prolapse Vent Heal Itself?

No, a prolapsed vent in quails cannot heal itself. It is a serious medical condition requiring immediate veterinary attention. Delaying treatment can lead to severe complications and even death.

Always seek professional veterinary help for any prolapse, including a prolapsed vent in your quail.

Case Studies on Successful Treatment for Vent Prolapse

Here are some case studies and research papers highlighting the successful treatment of vent prolapse in ducks:

Case Study 1. Successful Manual Reduction and Supportive Care

Subject: A 5-year-old Pekin duck with a prolapse of approximately 5 cm.

Treatment: The duck had a prolapse, so it was gently cleaned and fixed by a vet. She got antibiotics and pain medicine, and she was kept alone in a quiet, comfy place.

Outcome: The duck made a full recovery within 48 hours and returned to normal egg-laying within a week.

Case Study 2. Surgical Intervention and Post-Operative Care:

Subject: A 2-year-old Muscovy duck with a large, necrotic prolapse.

Treatment: Because the problem was serious, the duck needed surgery. The vet took out the bad tissue and stitched the good tissue back in place. The duck got more medicine for pain and to prevent infection after the surgery.

Outcome: The duck recovered well from surgery and regained normal bowel and egg-laying function within 2 weeks.

Recommended Reading: Common Duck Disease

Bottom Line

So, Duck Prolapsed Vent is a serious condition in ducks and chickens that makes them suffer a lot until they have the treatment. Egg-laying complications, internal trouble, and nutritional deficiencies are the most notable causes behind prolapsed vents. So, check for symptoms like visible protrusion, redness or swelling, struggles going to the bathroom or laying eggs, etc.

For such health issues, take proper care by isolating them, giving medicines, adjusting their diets, and observing properly. If the condition is serious, call the vet and do the surgery if necessary.