Unusual growth from bill

[KalebKaineVA]

9Yr old Peking Duck. Started noticing odd growth on side of bill. Seems to have almost doubled in last few weeks. Doesn't seem to be bothering her, still eating, drinking, and grooming as usual. Anyone have any ideas what this could be?? (Snapped pic right after swim time so she was grooming and has feathers on the end of her bill)

 

[Jenbirdee]

I’ve never seen that so I’ll tag @ruthhope @HollowOfWisps

 

[KalebKaineVA]

Best way I can describe it is it almost looks like a little row of teeth growing down out of upper bill.

 

[ruthhope]

Best way I can describe it is it almost looks like a little row of teeth growing down out of upper bill.

I've not seen anything like it. It's probably senile growth of keratin--warty growth of old age. I made that up but if it's not bothering her and she can eat OK, there is not much you can do: it might have a bloodsupply so you wouldn't want to try and trim it.

Do you have a vet that could take a look? I'm thinking a vet would likely make a diagnosis and should be able to trim it before it obstructs her eating.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

I personally have never seen that before, but if I had to guess it is due to how keratin can mutate and degrade with age.

 

[KalebKaineVA]

I don't have a normal vet and just missed a week of work in the hospital with pneumonia so money is tight at the moment. That's why I came here for any advice before I can afford a vet appointment. I do appreciate the opinion!

 

[ruthhope]

I don't have a normal vet and just missed a week of work in the hospital with pneumonia so money is tight at the moment. That's why I came here for any advice before I can afford a vet appointment. I do appreciate the opinion!

I don't have access to a vet where I live -- none in the whole county will see ducks. I would have to sit and watch if she were mine. I hope it doesn't keep growing and cause a problem. Humans get warty keratin growths in old age, hence my made up diagnosis above. They are removed for cosmetic reasons (a valid reason on a visible part of the body) not because they are harmful

 

[KalebKaineVA]

I'm not too far from legitimate farm area so I'm sure I can find a vet if it gets to be an issue. I will definitely be paying closer attention to it now for any signs it's affecting her negatively.