Britnknee
In the Brooder
- Oct 8, 2025
- 2
- 0
- 10
Good morning! I am not sure if anyone else has experienced a 3 month old gosling with a golf ball size plus mass just above the patella. We only noticed if after he started limping almost 3 weeks ago. At first it was purple/blue. We took him to the avian emergency hospital where they did:
-CBC - to assess for infection and general systemic health
-X-rays - to assess the coelomic organs and musculoskeletal system
-MiDog PCR - to help identify bacteria and/or fungal agents present, and help target medication choices best suited to treat the issue based on the test results
-Cytology - to have a pathologist assess aspirate smears to help determine the type of mass present
Preliminary assessment of the x-rays showed a solid mass near but not associated with the joint. The radiologist noted the mass along the left tibiotarsus and there is no bone changes seen. The radiologist is concerned for a benign tumor or an infectious mass (like an abscess or granuloma).
The cytology showed blood and heterophilic inflammation. They said this is most consistent with trauma, but can be observed secondary to a bacterial infection as well. No tumor cells or infectious agents were observed. The pathologist noted that while no infectious agents are observed, they still think a bacterial infection is possible, though they typically see more inflammation in those types of cases.
The CBC bloodwork has come back with no concerns for a systemic (body wide) infection.
He has been on amoxicillin and anti inflammatory with painkiller.
The sites where they tested the mass have not healed, partly on our fault for allowing him a week an a half ago to bathe with his ladies and have yard time. During this time he either injured the mass or opened the wound on the mass. This caused significant bleeding (gushing). Which we rushed him back to emergency with a follow up 3 days later. There is a concern because the wound has opened up 4 times (twice at home, twice in emergency, one where they were cleaning the wound). He was prescribed some wound care cream to keep the bandages from sticking and help with any infection.
After all of this we still have no idea what this mass is. After going over the options, we’ve decided to move forward with surgery to remove the mass. However, his vet and surgeon are concerned about him not having enough skin to close once the mass is removed due to the location and two the bleeding coming from the mass. One of the emergency vets thought blood veins were not involved but his vet believes they are.
I was wondering if anyone has experienced a mass like this on their gosling and what the result was. Also if anyone has advice about the situation to make sure we are making the best decision for Moose. We want to make sure he lives a long and healthy life.
He also hates taking his meds, and now will get aggressive during med time. He has never shown aggression before only during this time. If anyone knows a good way to get him to take his meds that would be great too.
Besides this mass, Moose acts completely normal. He is eating and drinking and continues to gain weight has he grows. He does not appreciate being in the house by himself, but has toys and tv to watch and we go sit with him often.
I tried attaching a picture of the mass but it would not upload.
-CBC - to assess for infection and general systemic health
-X-rays - to assess the coelomic organs and musculoskeletal system
-MiDog PCR - to help identify bacteria and/or fungal agents present, and help target medication choices best suited to treat the issue based on the test results
-Cytology - to have a pathologist assess aspirate smears to help determine the type of mass present
Preliminary assessment of the x-rays showed a solid mass near but not associated with the joint. The radiologist noted the mass along the left tibiotarsus and there is no bone changes seen. The radiologist is concerned for a benign tumor or an infectious mass (like an abscess or granuloma).
The cytology showed blood and heterophilic inflammation. They said this is most consistent with trauma, but can be observed secondary to a bacterial infection as well. No tumor cells or infectious agents were observed. The pathologist noted that while no infectious agents are observed, they still think a bacterial infection is possible, though they typically see more inflammation in those types of cases.
The CBC bloodwork has come back with no concerns for a systemic (body wide) infection.
He has been on amoxicillin and anti inflammatory with painkiller.
The sites where they tested the mass have not healed, partly on our fault for allowing him a week an a half ago to bathe with his ladies and have yard time. During this time he either injured the mass or opened the wound on the mass. This caused significant bleeding (gushing). Which we rushed him back to emergency with a follow up 3 days later. There is a concern because the wound has opened up 4 times (twice at home, twice in emergency, one where they were cleaning the wound). He was prescribed some wound care cream to keep the bandages from sticking and help with any infection.
After all of this we still have no idea what this mass is. After going over the options, we’ve decided to move forward with surgery to remove the mass. However, his vet and surgeon are concerned about him not having enough skin to close once the mass is removed due to the location and two the bleeding coming from the mass. One of the emergency vets thought blood veins were not involved but his vet believes they are.
I was wondering if anyone has experienced a mass like this on their gosling and what the result was. Also if anyone has advice about the situation to make sure we are making the best decision for Moose. We want to make sure he lives a long and healthy life.
He also hates taking his meds, and now will get aggressive during med time. He has never shown aggression before only during this time. If anyone knows a good way to get him to take his meds that would be great too.
Besides this mass, Moose acts completely normal. He is eating and drinking and continues to gain weight has he grows. He does not appreciate being in the house by himself, but has toys and tv to watch and we go sit with him often.
I tried attaching a picture of the mass but it would not upload.
How is your gosling doing?
