Weird growth on Duck’s bill

[ForDuckSake]

Hi there,

I’m seeking some advice for my runner duck that has a small growth on her bill. I noticed it a couple months ago and have been watching it. It’s not getting worse but it’s not better either. At first, I thought it was pox but no one else has gotten them and she doesn’t have anything anywhere else. I also heard those dry up fall off which hasn’t happened. I am nervous because last year I had a duck with a malignant melanoma on her bill. She had surgery and got it removed and is doing fine. But she had to have it removed or it would’ve spread. I know the odds of me having another duck with it are very slim. I have been putting silver cream and manuka honey on it but so far nothing is really helping. But it’s why it has a white appearance. I am debating taking her to the vet to have it tested but I run a rescue and have dozens of ducks and the vet bills can get hard. But I also don’t want to risk her health. She’s been through so much already.

Any thoughts?

 

[Turkens13]

I'm sorry to hear about the growth on your runner duck's bill—it sounds like a tough situation, especially given your past experience with your other duck. You’re right to be cautious. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Possibilities for the Growth: Since the growth hasn't worsened or spread, it's reassuring, but it could still be one of several things:
   • Warts or Pox: Sometimes pox lesions can appear in isolated spots. It might be worth double-checking her overall condition to ensure there are no signs of pox elsewhere.
   • Infection or Injury: If it was a minor injury that got infected, it might not heal as quickly, but infection often presents with more noticeable signs of irritation or swelling.
   • Tumors or Cysts: Since you’ve already had a duck with a malignant melanoma, it’s understandable to be wary. Tumors can sometimes grow slowly and don’t always spread immediately.
2. Silver Cream and Manuka Honey: Both are good for supporting the healing process and preventing infection, but they may not be effective for all types of growths. If the growth persists, it might be worth trying something more targeted, like a topical treatment for wart-like growths, or even getting a biopsy done if you’re really concerned.
3. Vet Visit: If the growth hasn’t improved with your current treatment and you are concerned about it, a vet check could give you peace of mind. If cost is an issue, perhaps you could reach out to a vet who works with rescues—they might offer a discount or payment plan options. You could also explain the situation with the other duck having a melanoma, which might prompt them to take a closer look at the new growth.

Given that you’re running a rescue, it’s understandable that the vet bills can add up quickly. But sometimes catching something early can save both time and money in the long run if it turns out to be something more serious.

How is she acting otherwise? Any change in her behavior or appetite? That might help gauge whether it’s becoming a bigger issue.

 

[ForDuckSake]

I'm sorry to hear about the growth on your runner duck's bill—it sounds like a tough situation, especially given your past experience with your other duck. You’re right to be cautious. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Possibilities for the Growth: Since the growth hasn't worsened or spread, it's reassuring, but it could still be one of several things:
   • Warts or Pox: Sometimes pox lesions can appear in isolated spots. It might be worth double-checking her overall condition to ensure there are no signs of pox elsewhere.
   • Infection or Injury: If it was a minor injury that got infected, it might not heal as quickly, but infection often presents with more noticeable signs of irritation or swelling.
   • Tumors or Cysts: Since you’ve already had a duck with a malignant melanoma, it’s understandable to be wary. Tumors can sometimes grow slowly and don’t always spread immediately.
2. Silver Cream and Manuka Honey: Both are good for supporting the healing process and preventing infection, but they may not be effective for all types of growths. If the growth persists, it might be worth trying something more targeted, like a topical treatment for wart-like growths, or even getting a biopsy done if you’re really concerned.
3. Vet Visit: If the growth hasn’t improved with your current treatment and you are concerned about it, a vet check could give you peace of mind. If cost is an issue, perhaps you could reach out to a vet who works with rescues—they might offer a discount or payment plan options. You could also explain the situation with the other duck having a melanoma, which might prompt them to take a closer look at the new growth.

Given that you’re running a rescue, it’s understandable that the vet bills can add up quickly. But sometimes catching something early can save both time and money in the long run if it turns out to be something more serious.

How is she acting otherwise? Any change in her behavior or appetite? That might help gauge whether it’s becoming a bigger issue.

She seems to be okay otherwise and she's eating normally. Sometimes it's hard to tell cause you don't constantly watch them. But when an issue arises, you watch them constantly and think you are seeing something out of the normal when you're not, if that makes sense.

 

[Canadian Wind]

Is it hard or is it soft and squishy? Can you take a sterilized needle and poke it then squeeze it to see if anything comes out?