11/9/21, 5:25 PM Melanoma in Chickens

Veterinary advice should be sought from your local veterinarian before applying any ×
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Melanoma
Other Names: Avian Melanomas
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. Melanomas are less commonly reported in birds, but have
been documented in a variety of avian species, including chickens. Melanomas in birds, except
for a few affecting the eye, are almost always malignant.

Melanoma tumors can vary from flattened macule-like areas of pigmentation, to distinct
masses that multifocally replace visceral organs. In the reported cases of melanoma in chickens,
the most common areas for tumors to develop are the facial region, including the beak and
eyelids.
Clinical Signs
Growth on face, beak or eyelids
Facial swelling
Increased respiratory effort
Diagnosis Reported Cases Treatment
Name Summary
Supportive care Isolate the bird from the flock and place in a safe, comfortable, warm
location (your own chicken "intensive care unit") with easy access to
water and food. Limit stress. Call your veterinarian.
Cimetidine 5 mg/kg PO twice a day
(/drugs/cimetidine)
Surgery Surgical removal of the melanoma

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Scientific References
1UC Davis California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System. CAHFS
Connection Newsletter December 2019 Issue (https://cahfs.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/cahfs-
connection/201912) (2019)
2Duncan, Ann E., et al. Malignant melanoma in the penguin: characterization of the
clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical features of malignant melanoma in 10
individuals from three species of penguin (https://www.jstor.org/stable/24551180 )
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine (2014)
3Williams, S. M., et al.. Metastatic melanomas in young broiler chickens (Gallus gallus
domesticus). (https://doi.org/10.1177/0300985811415706) Veterinary pathology 49.2
(2012)
4Costagliola, Alessandro, et al. Malignant melanoma in a seagull (Larus fuscus):
morphological and immunohistochemical approach (https://doi.org/10.1637/9576-
101510-Case.1) Avian diseases 55.1 (2011)
5Kajigaya, Hiroshi, et al.. Metastatic melanoma appearing to originate from the beak of a
racing pigeon (Columba livia) (https://doi.org/10.1637/9083-092309-Case.1) Avian
diseases 54.2 (2010)
6Guthrie, Amanda L., et al. Radiation therapy of a malignant melanoma in a thick-billed
parrot (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha). (https://www.jstor.org/stable/40984804 ) Journal
of avian medicine and surgery (2010)
7Stern, Adam W., and Catherine G. Lamm.. Malignant melanoma of the subcutaneous
tissues in an umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba) (https://doi.org/10.1647/1082-6742-
23.4.303) Journal of avian medicine and surgery 23.4 (2009)
8Irizarry‐Rovira, Armando R., Angela M. Lennox, and José A. Ramos‐Vara.. Malignant
melanoma in a zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata): cytologic, histologic, and
ultrastructural characteristics (https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-165X.2007.tb00229.x)
Veterinary clinical pathology 36.3 (2007)
9Rambaud, Y. Feltrer, E. J. Flach, and K. P. Freeman. Malignant melanoma in a Humboldt
penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) (http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/vr.153.7.217) Vet Record
www.poultrydvm.com/condition/melanoma-in-chickens 2/4
11/9/21, 5:25 PM Melanoma in Chickens

(2003)
10Reid, H. A. C., et al. Metastatic malignant melanoma in a mandarin duck (Aix
galericulata) (https://www.jstor.org/stable/1591930 ) Avian diseases (1993)

Age Range

Melanomas occur most often in adult chickens.

Also Consider

Fowl pox (/condition/fowl-pox)

Hemangiomas and hemangiosarcomas (/condition/hemangiomas)
Squamous cell carcinoma (/condition/squamous-cell-carcinoma)

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