We reviewed 11 cases of superficial chronic ulcerative dermatitis (SCUD) in psittacine birds that presented to an exotic animal practice over an 8-year period. African grey parrots ( Psittacus erithacus) were overrepresented, accounting for 55% of SCUD-affected birds. All affected birds were hand-reared pets and bonded strongly to their owners. In all cases, fungal culture results were negative. The most commonly cultured bacteria were Enterobacter cloacae (27%), followed by Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus (both 18%). An underlying cause of behavioral self-mutilation with secondary infection of dermatitis lesions by opportunistic bacteria was suspected in 10 of 11 cases. The axillae were the most common anatomic sites affected (45%). In two cases, more than one site was affected concurrently. Mean age of birds affected was 11.4 years. Two birds had suffered from SCUD previously, with 1 bird having suffered from 3 previous episodes and was euthanized as a result. All birds were treated with systemic antibiotics, topical antibacterial preparations, and systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. A neck collar was applied in all cases. Median time to clinical resolution was 2 months (range, 1-21 months). Excluding the bird that was euthanized, all birds showed a positive response to treatment.

Reproductive disorders are common in birds and are frequently encountered in avian practice. They often involve emergency presentations and may be life threatening. In female birds, chronic egg laying, egg binding, dystocia, ovarian disease, oviductal disease and egg coelomitis are all examples of common reproductive disorders. In male birds, reproductive disorders include testicular diseases and prolapse of the phallus in those species which possess an intromittent organ. Depending on the disorder, medical or surgical management may be indicated. The use of deslorelin (a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist) implants has become popular in avian medicine over the last decade and some studies have explored the efficacy of this treatment in some species, although a lot more research is needed to establish the efficacy in a wider range of species, in both sexes and with repeated use.

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