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Review
. 2025 Jan;11(1):e70217.
doi: 10.1002/vms3.70217.

Spontaneous Cloacal Prolapse in a Farm Ostrich (Struthio camelus): Case Management and Literature Review

Mohammad Raguib Munif  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Spontaneous Cloacal Prolapse in a Farm Ostrich (Struthio camelus): Case Management and Literature Review

Mohammad Raguib Munif. Vet Med Sci. 2025 Jan.

Abstract

Captive ratites, including the ostrich (Struthio camelus), are susceptible to various gastrointestinal conditions. However, spontaneous cloacal prolapse is a relatively less frequent diagnosis. This report details the clinical management of cloacal prolapse in an ostrich, including a brief literature review. A 10-week-old female ostrich reared in a semi-intensive farming system was presented with a reddish protruded mass through the vent opening, along with a history of lethargy, poor appetite, and lack of droppings. Clinical examinations demonstrated a complete cloacal prolapse without any devitalization or necrosis of the involved tissues. Laboratory examinations revealed no parasitic or bacterial enteritis. Hematobiochemical analysis indicated low serum calcium. The case was surgically treated, which involved repositioning the prolapsed cloaca to its anatomical location and subsequent vent narrowing with a purse-string suture while ensuring adequate space for the passage of droppings. Postoperatively, supportive medications and formulated feed with vitamin-mineral supplements, including calcium, were provided. The ostrich experienced an uneventful recovery. The purse-string suture encompassing the vent was removed on the eighth postoperative day. No complications were reported 9 weeks after surgery. In brief, mineral deficiencies, particularly reduced serum calcium levels, may be associated with cloacal prolapse in young ostriches. Prompt surgical intervention and a balanced nutritional regimen with calcium supplements can effectively facilitate recovery.

Keywords: balanced minerals; cloacal prolapse; hypocalcaemia; ostrich; purse‐string suture.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author declares no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Cloacal anatomy and cloacal prolapse in ostrich. (A) schematic presentation of the ostrich cloaca and its adjacent anatomical structures (image generated with Adobe Illustrator CC version 22.0): (a) rectum, (b) ureters, (c) ureteral orifices, (d) coprodeum, (e) urodeum, (f) proctodeum, (g) genital eminence, (h) cloacal sphincters, (i) cloacal bursa, and (j) external orifice of cloaca (vent). (B) Prolapsed cloaca in an ostrich.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Process of vent narrowing with purse‐string suture after repositioning the cloaca: (A) placement of a plastic syringe to the vent orifice, (B) percutaneous insertion of suture needle for the application of purse‐string suture, (C) the suture encompassing the circumferential margin of vent‐lips, and (D) complete vent narrowing after ensuring a passage for excretion of droppings.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Surgical site healing and postoperative status of the ostrich: (A) healing observed at the surgical site 8 days post‐surgery, following removal of suture material and (B) the ostrich appeared in good condition 9 weeks post‐surgery.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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