RECUMBENCY IN OSTRICHES

Ostriches are becoming increasingly important as a result of successful intensive farming and a surge in the financial value of ostrich by-products. Veterinarians thus need to develop an enhanced understanding of the causes of recumbency in ostriches and the available methods of treatment. When a recumbent patient is presented, careful clinical evaluation will demonstrate traumatic causes (e.g., wounds and broken bones). The prognosis for successful treatment is significantly diminished by the presence of deep penetrating wounds that affect such underlying structures as blood vessels, air sacs, and/or nerves. Weakness, which is a major cause of recumbency in ostriches, primarily results from an impacted proventriculus. Auscultation can be used to establish a reduction or total cessation of motility in an affected proventriculus; radiography can be used to readily confirm a diagnosis. Additional common clinical findings include poor appetite, emaciation, lethargy, weakness, decreased production of feces, and eventual sternal recumbency. Because conservative treatment is associated with very limited success, surgery is often warranted.