Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Budgerigar with beak deformity from keratoacanthoma tumor
By Owen, H C et al.·Published in Avian pathology : journal of the W.V.P.A·2007·School of Veterinary Science, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Keratoacanthoma causing beak deformity in a budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus).
- Species:
- bird
Plain-English summary
A 6-year-old male budgerigar was brought in because of a beak deformity and signs of breathing problems. Although the bird could still eat, the veterinarian found a growth (keratoacanthoma) that was affecting the structure of the beak and invading nearby nasal areas. Unfortunately, due to the severity of the condition, euthanasia was recommended. This type of tumor is rare in birds but has similarities to similar growths seen in humans and pets.
People also search for: budgerigar beak deformity · bird breathing problems · keratoacanthoma in birds · budgie tumor treatment
Abstract
This report describes a keratoacanthoma causing abnormal maxillary beak growth in a 6-year-old male budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulates). Although the bird was still capable of eating, it had recently been demonstrating signs of respiratory distress and euthanasia was recommended. On histological examination, the neoplasm was dramatically effacing the normal structure of the maxilla and infiltrating into the rostral nasal sinuses. The tumour consisted of many cyst-like proliferations of well-differentiated squamous epithelial cells with central keratinization. Contiguity of the tumour cells with the stratum germinativum of the beak was noted in one microscopic field. This tumour type has not previously been reported in the avian beak; however, this case shows some similarities to subungual keratoacanthomas occurring in human patients and nailbed keratoacanthomas occurring in dogs and cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17994330/