puzzling ear problem

[lkoller]

My 13 year old cockatiel, Buttercup, started having a problem with just her left ear about a year ago. I noticed excessive yawning-like behavior and rubbing her head on the cage bars to the point of removing her feathers around her ear. I have taken her to a vet who specializes in birds several times. We have tried a couple different medications and she will get better for awhile, but then it comes back. He even sedated her and sent out a tissue sample for a biopsy of a mass he saw, which came back negative for a tumor. It seems to be getting worse again. I was wondering if anyone may be able to tell me if they have heard of other birds having this problem and if it can be cured. Thanks so much.

[Just Ask Jan!]

Has your cockatiel had its nostrils checked to see if it has "plugs" that need to be removed. If these get bad enough they can affect the wellness of the whole head. It is common for them to get dust in the ceres from digging in their seeds.
Jan

[lkoller]

Jan,
No, I have never had her checked for nose "plugs" and this is the first I"ve heard of them. I will mention this to the vet when I take her in. Thanks, Linda