Many problems with this gland are secondary to hypovitaminosis A and and be corrected by moist hot packing, correcting the diet, and treating any secondary infections. Although impaction is often mentioned in the literature, this seems to not commonly occur. Diagnostics such as cytology, biopsy, aspiration, microbiology and histopathology may be used to procure a diagnosis. Surgery should only be attempted if medical management has been unrewarding, or if a tumor, abscess or rupture is present.
Surgery requires excellent hemostasis and precise surgical technique.
The uropygial gland, also called the preen gland or oil gland, is often overlooked during routine physical examination of birds. Most problems with the uropygial gland can be corrected by dietary and medical management, or rarely, surgery may be required. Not all species of birds have uropygial glands, and it is important to be knowledgeable about which species do, and which don't. The uropygial gland is a bilobed holocrinc gland. It is the principle cutaneous gland of birds.