Therapeutic management of egg yolk peritonitis in a budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus)

A two-and-half-year-old female, budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) was presented with gradual abdominal distension and tenesmus for two weeks. Despite the symptoms, the bird had a normal appetite. Both radiograph and sonography were performed. The radiograph showed no abnormalities (no eggshell), and sonography revealed a hypoechoic area in the abdomen. The budgerigar was administered with enrofloxacin (10mg/kg q12h PO), and furosemide (1mg/kg q12h PO) for 4 days and distension gradually reduced over 10 days. This case highlights the importance of use of ultrasonography in identifying egg yolk peritonitis and importance of supportive treatment in avian patients.