VN April 2022

Vetnuus | April 2022 6 Parrot grooming is a widespread presentation in veterinary practice. This article will first discuss the anatomy of psittacines’ integument and then know how to groom. Anatomy of the integument of psittacines Beak – the upper and lower jaw are covered by horny keratin called the rhamphotheca. The mandibular rhamphotheca is called the gnathotheca, and the maxillary rhamphotheca is called the rhinotheca. The cutting edge of both the upper and lower beak is called the tomia. Histologically the horn resembles skin, and the dermis is attached to the periosteum of the jaw bone. The nerve innervation of the upper beak is ophthalmic and the maxillary divisions of the trigeminal nerve. The nerve innervation of the lower beak is the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. The beak has a large blood supply. It is essential to understand the anatomy and species-specific beak formations when assessing the psittacine patient. If you are not familiar with the beak formation of the species at hand, a simple internet search can help. Parrot Grooming Dr Coetzee de Beer The normal anatomy can be appreciated with illumination Pt with a split due to trauma (chronic) on the median plane Pt with a penetrating wound, area cleaned and covered with epoxy