title: Sublingual fistula in a masked booby (Sula dactylatra) and possible role of ectoparasites in its etiology.
abstract: A sublingual fistula is an opening through the ventral skin of the buccal cavity through which the tongue can protrude. The cause is unknown. Masked Boobies (Sula dactylatra) are the third avian species to be reported with this condition. We argue that ectoparasite infestation of hatchlings may be an initial cause.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Ornithology, School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
authors.forename: B John
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.forename: Graham R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Colin P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Wearn
authors.forename: S James
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Reynolds
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000469:parasitology; D001717:Birds; D004478:Ectoparasitic Infestations / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary*; D005402:Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D009060:Mouth Floor / Q000473:pathology*