#Head ganging cockatoo skin#

Radiation therapy is also an option when surgery is not possible. For example, testicular tumors can sometimes be decreased in size using hormonal therapy like a leuprorelin injection.Ĭhemotherapy is an option, especially in tumors that cannot be removed or have spread to other parts of the body. Surgical removal is ideal when the tumor can be removed completely.Īlso, certain malignant tumors may respond to medical therapy. Treatment will depend on the location of the tumor, but typically, veterinarians first try to surgically remove the tumor, or tumors, whenever possible. Melanoma: Cancer originating in pigment-producing cells (melanocytes)ĭiagnostic tests such as imaging (that can include a radiograph) and biopsy are needed to determine the type of tumor as well as the extent of cancer in the bird’s body.Īs you consider tumor treatment options for your bird, there are some steps to keep in mind.Hemangiosarcoma: Cancer of blood vessels.

Adenocarcinoma: Cancer arising from glandular tissues.

Papillomas: Growths caused by a virus that can affect various tissues.

Fibrosarcoma: Cancer of fibrous tissues.

#Head ganging cockatoo skin#

As a result of lymphoma, the liver is the most commonly affected organ, then the spleen and kidneys.Īdditionally, squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, can occur on a bird’s skin and beak but can also be found inside the mouth, esophagus and crop (the muscular pouch near the gullet). Lymphoma, or lymphosarcoma, a specific type of cancer originating in the lymphatic system and/or blood, can affect multiple organs, given the widespread nature of the lymphatics throughout the body.

Less commonly, avian veterinarians find cancer in: Liposarcomas, a rare type of cancer that can form in the fat cells.They are benign tumors but can cause large growths. Xanthomas and lipomas, also known as fatty tumors, typically found in the skin.Preen gland tumors, found in the special oil gland at the tail base in birds, normally used for coating their feathers.Kidney or testicular tumors in parakeets.The types of tumors that exotic veterinarians tend to see more frequently in birds include: For example, a 2023 study from Australia found the incidence of neoplasia, or the uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells, in companion and aviary birds to be only 2.45 percent. Here’s the good news: Ttumors in pet birds are relatively rare. And depending on the avian species, some tumors may be more common than others. Avian tumors can be of the spreading, aka malignant, variety or of the non-spreading, aka benign, type.

Just like in people and other animals, there are many types of tumors that can occur in birds.