What actually is vent gleet?

Vent gleet is a term commonly used to describe disease processes at the back end of birds

The problem is that the term "vent gleet" is often used to encompass different problems with different causes. Therefore, it can be very confusing for owners seeking advice on how to help their birds. 

Vent gleet is a general description of inflammation (reddening) of the vent. This inflammation can be the result of many differing issues, some of which may need a more specific treatment. 

Vent gleet originally described red, swollen cloacal tissue sometimes visible in the vent, resulting in a creamy discharge, which can stain and irritate the area around the vent.  This term originally described a fungal infection of the cloaca due to Candida spp., a yeast, more commonly called "Thrush".  

What are other causes of staining or inflammation around the vent?

Other causes of inflammation of the vent can include cloacal prolapse, due to repeated straining to pass eggs or egg material or vent pecking. Diarrhoea, dehydration, dietary change, certain supplements and salpingitis (inflamed oviduct) or tumours can also result in staining and irritation around the vent due to watery droppings or other discharge.

How can I treat vent gleet?

Treatment will really depend on identifying the cause of the problem, as the approach would be different for pecking compared to say diarrhoea or dehydration. The inflamed vent should be cleaned with warm water and any staining soaked off. Hard material congealed around feathers can be clipped off if it still doesn’t come off after soaking. Barrier creams can be used to reduce the inflammation and protect the skin from future discharges. Candida treatment creams only treat candida-type infections and will only be recommended by your vet if that is the case. It is worth remembering that these local skin infections are very rarely the main problem, and usually suggest something else is amiss.