Does this look like cancer to you????

**BuddysMum** · 10-18-2011, 01:30 AM

Hi everyone,

I am seeking your expertise and advice here, as I have read a lot of sinister things on the net and am very worried!

My beautiful blue boy, Buddy, is 6 years old and recently his cere has turned a dark brown. His behaviour is still the same, and for a while we thought perhaps he was sexually confused or even a girl! Then I started reading a lot of info about hormones and testicular cancer...

I have a Before and After photo, perhaps if you are interested or have experienced this with your bird(s) you could take a peek and tell me what you think?

Thank you in advance! (and apologies for the first photo being on it's side :/)

Buddy aged 2: http://http://www.flickr.com/photos/68777147@N05/6256956200/in/photostream/
Buddy aged 6 (today): http://www.flickr.com/photos/6877714...n/photostream/

**DesertDweller** · 10-18-2011, 12:01 PM

Could be air sac mites. They're pretty bad and attack the cere like that. I saw it happen to one of mine years ago. It does require a vet's intervention.

**Kerry C** · 10-18-2011, 02:56 PM

Generally a cock who's cere turns brown like a hen's had a tumor on the reproductive organs.

**Catfan** · 10-19-2011, 08:49 AM

Is he getting slim or exhausted? I mean more than usual. This is one of the symptoms. Also the only sure way is to perform a biopsy, a technique whereby some cells are removed for microscopic examination. Hope that will be OK soon if there is something.

**ArticunoGail** · 10-20-2011, 12:52 AM

Whatever it is, it is definately not normal. Take your bird to an avian vet, who will be able to accurately diagnose the problem, and with luck sort it out. (by the way, he bears an ubcanny resmblence to my Lawrence. Thet first photo looks JUST like him.)

Good luck, and keep us posted.

ArticunoGail

**BuddysMum** · 10-21-2011, 06:38 AM

Thanks for your replies and suggestions. We will be taking him to the vet asap to get a certain diagnosis. The main thing is that he is happy and comfortable... wish us luck!