title: Anatomy and Disorders of the Beak and Oral Cavity of Birds.
abstract: Cranial kinesis of the avian beak is complex; particularly in birds with prokinetic beak movement, such as psittacine birds. A number of diseases can result in damage to the bony and soft tissue structures of the beak and can lead to secondary pathology, such as beak deviation, abnormal rhamphothecal growth and wear, and opportunistic infections. A solid understanding of species-specific anatomic variations is essential before attempting rhamphothecal restoration or surgical repair. Many diseases of the oral cavity can appear similar on initial clinical evaluation and therefore warrant appropriate diagnostic testing.
authors: The Medical Center for Birds, 3805 Main Street, Oakley, CA 94561, USA. Electronic address: avnvet@aol.com.
authors: Brian
authors: B
authors: Speer
authors: Avian and Exotic Pet Service, Carolina Veterinary Specialists, 12117 Statesville Road, Huntersville, NC 28078, USA.
authors: Lauren Virginia
authors: LV
authors: Powers
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001502:Beak / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D001717:Birds / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D009055:Mouth / Q000033:anatomy & histology*
keywords: Avian; Beak; Cranial kinesis; Keratin; Oral cavity; Rhamphotheca