Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Surgical repair of broken lower beak in Amazon parrot
By Rego Ramos, Lucas et al.·Published in Journal of Veterinary Dentistry·2025·Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Surgical Repair of a Mandibular Fracture in an Amazon Parrot ( Amazona aestiva )
- Species:
- bird
Plain-English summary
An Amazon parrot was brought in with a broken beak after a traumatic injury, which made it difficult for the bird to eat. The veterinarian used advanced imaging to plan a surgery that involved placing plates to reconstruct the beak. Following a specialized recovery protocol, the parrot healed well, and six months later, the beak had fused properly, allowing the bird to chew and eat without any issues. At follow-up visits after one and two and a half years, the parrot showed no problems with its beak function.
People also search for: parrot beak injury treatment · Amazon parrot broken beak surgery · how to help a bird with a broken beak
Abstract
Injured birds pose a challenge in veterinary medicine, requiring innovative approaches for restoration of function and enhancing the quality of life. This case report describes the successful reconstruction of the mandibular beak of an Amazona aestiva parrot (Psittacidae) after a traumatic injury. The injury caused a fracture in the mandibular beak, resulting in significant limitation of function. Computed tomography imaging was used for surgical planning, allowing visualization of the remaining mandibular beak on the parrot's rhamphotheca and determination of the appropriate dimensions of the implanted plate. Plates were surgically applied to reconstruct the mandibular beak structure. The surgery followed an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol, which resulted in enhanced mandibular beak function and total adjustment to the plates. Six months posttreatment, the beak components had fused, and the plates had detached. At the 1- and 2.5-year follow-up, veterinarian assessment noted no concerns with chewing or ingesting food. This study highlights the effectiveness of employing surgical techniques derived from dental expertise and utilizing biomaterials, such as human maxillofacial plates, to successfully reconstruct complex structures in birds.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1177/08987564251371396