Under bite

[Pebbles&Petunias]

Hey guys,

Pebbles, my Greek tortoise, has an under bite. Is this something I should worry about? I assume there's not to much I can do for it medically. But is there any other measures I should take to make sure it doesn't get worse? Or is it even something that I should be concerned about at all in the first place?

 

[Speedy-1]

His beak may need a little trimming , I would supply him with a cuttlebone and see if he wears it down by himself !

 

[Pebbles&Petunias]

I have cuttlebone and a cactus brick in there, she eats on a terra cotta dish that I've cut to make rough ridges. I don't cut up her food super small so she has to work for it. She's also outside a lot. It doesn't look super long, it's mainly the under bite that worries me. Do you think if her beak wears down/is trimmed if it will correct itself?

 

[Speedy-1]

I have cuttlebone and a cactus brick in there, she eats on a terra cotta dish that I've cut to make rough ridges. I don't cut up her food super small so she has to work for it. She's also outside a lot. It doesn't look super long, it's mainly the under bite that worries me. Do you think if her beak wears down/is trimmed if it will correct itself?

Possibly , if she isn't having any trouble eating I wouldn't think it is a major concern !

 

[Yvonne G]

It is my experience that the jutting lower jaw is caused by not getting enough calcium.

 

[Pebbles&Petunias]

Hmm, alright, I give her plenty of calcium. She has always had It to my knowledge, it was there before I got her. The people who had her before me did not take good care of her whatsoever though so it must have developed early on. I just want to know if I should worry. Or if there's anything I can do for it.

 

[Yvonne G]

Yes, you should worry. Left unchecked it will soon get out of control and the misalignment makes it hard for them to bite off food or to graze. I had several young Manouria with the over-shot lower jaw. I had to use the Dremel and file them two or three times a year. Never did get them under control. They've since been sold and I've lost track of them.

 

[Pebbles&Petunias]

So you would suggest filing the lower jaw or a good beak trim a couple times a year? I'll definitely consult my local herp vet. Luckily we have a good one right down the street.