TOTAL MAXILLARY BEAK RECONSTRUCTION IN A SOLOMON'S COCKATOO (CACATUA DUCORPSII) BY USING A SKULL-ANCHORED TITANIUM MESH PLATE PROSTHESIS: A NOVEL SURGICAL APPROACH OVERCOMING KERATIN-DEPENDENT FIXATION LIMITATIONS-A CASE REPORT.

Traumatic total maxillary beak avulsion in psittacines presents a significant surgical challenge due to the absence of residual keratinized or osseous tissue for conventional fixation, as well as the beak's critical roles in feeding and behavior. Existing repair techniques rely on anchoring to remaining beak structures and are therefore unsuitable for complete beak loss cases. This report describes a novel surgical approach for total maxillary beak reconstruction in a Solomon's cockatoo (Cacatua ducorpsii) with complete upper beak avulsion caused by intraspecific aggression. A titanium mesh plate was contoured to replicate the natural curvature of the maxillary beak and rigidly anchored to the frontal bone by using cortical screws, providing immediate mechanical stability. The external beak shape and surface were restored using dental acrylic resin to mimic natural keratin texture and form. The prosthesis allowed for early functional recovery, enabling the bird to grasp, manipulate objects, and consume a normal diet within 1 mon postoperatively. This technique addresses the fundamental limitation of keratin-dependent fixation by using the skull as a stable anchorage point, with a titanium mesh plate providing structural support sufficient for functional use. The dental acrylic overlay restores esthetic and functional outcomes critical to quality of life. This novel approach may present a promising surgical option for avian patients in cases of total rhinotheca loss previously considered beyond surgical repair.