Lovebird with skin build up between upper/lower beak

[alanhenney]

The past couple weeks, our lovebird has developed a skin buildup between the lower and upper beak on her right side where her beak meets her face.

It's been increasing in size the past few days.

This photo does not show it too well, but it is the best I have been able to take so far.

http://henney.com/temp/rascal.JPG

http://henney.com/temp/rascal2.JPG


The area does not appear to bother her, and there is no fluid (no blood or puss).

There is a slight yellowish discoloration on part of the skin buildup.

Any idea what we should do?

Thank you.
Alan Henney
Washington, D.C.

[Pajarita]

Can you provide a better picture? I can't see anything but a lovie eating something...

[alanhenney]

Please try these links and let me know what you think.

I have posted newer photos.

http://henney.com/temp/rascal2.JPG

http://henney.com/temp/rascal.JPG

Thanks,
Alan

[Pajarita]

Ah, yes, I see it now. Is scaly face mites a possibility? By this I mean, is he a fairly new bird? Or, has he been outside or in contact with strange birds (as in boarding, vet, etc)? Because scaly face always start around the beak, not necessarily in the commissure as your bird has but always in the skin that surrounds the beak so it could be that.

Personally, I would treat for scaly face and, if it doesn't go away, I would take the bird to the vet and have a biopsy done on it. Better safe than sorry and better to know exactly what the problem is asap.

[alanhenney]

Thanks. Our lovebird has been in an only-one-pet household for more than 10 years.

She has no contact with other animals other than perhaps through food contact.

We'll call a vet this week. I just hate to expose her to the trauma of going to the vet if not necessary. She is doing normally otherwise.

Alan

[Pajarita]

Well, if she has had a wellness exam in the last six months, you could wait a bit and see if it keeps on growing...

[Jenny_09]

nice post!