Hatchling Hermann Can't Open Mouth & Eat

[tgt038]

I breed Hermann's. One of my hatchling's this season is trying really hard to eat, but can't open it's mouth. It has survived on water with vitamins for the last 5-6 weeks since being born. The other hatchling's are now twice the size. It looks like the baby is able to drink fluid through it's nose, however the nostril is so small even a very small food particle wouldn't go through. I am unable to hold it's neck out to open the mouth and feed with a syringe or similar device. The baby is still very active and feels strong when it pushes against me whilst holding it.

Running out of options, it clearly has an instinct to eat and find food, but can only nudge food with it's head. It could therefore mean it has very weak jaw/mouth muscles.

Has anyone experienced this with a baby tort and advise of any options, I'm guessing I don't have too long left?

Thanks
Jon

 

[wellington]

Maybe @Yvonne G can help. I would start soaking it in warm water and add different baby foods to it. It will be able to possibly get some nourishment from that and also add some piedialyte to the soak too.

 

[tgt038]

Thanks. I have been alternately diluting nutrobal and reptoboost into the water. It doesn't drink much as very small but must be getting something from it to be as active as it is. I'm giving three soaks per day in warm water. I will check out the piedialyte. @Yvonne G can you help at all?

Thanks
Jon

 

[dmmj]

can the mouth open at all? Can you pry it open yourself?

 

[tgt038]

The head/neck is very small, it's hard to hold the head without withdrawal into the shell. I have tried numerous times to open the mouth when possible but it's very delicate. The mouth doesn't move at all when drinking (through nose), touching the head or trying to pry open.

 

[dmmj]

I was just wondering if you knew whether the mouth could actually open or if it is sealed shut through some genetic defect

 

[Elohi]

Pictures?

 

[Gillian M]

Please post pictures of your tort asap, so as to enable us to help you.

And a very warm welcome to the forum!

 

[tgt038]

I have attached some pictures. One shows the difference in size compared to one of the other hatchlings. The baby felt a little weaker today.

 

[Big Charlie]

I think you need to see a vet as soon as possible.

 

[Kori5]

I think you need to see a vet as soon as possible.

I think the same. Please find a reptile vet in your area.

 

[THBfriend]

I've heard of cases like this. Hatchlings with some sort of jaw anomaly that makes it impossible for them to eat. They can survive a surprisingly long time, a year or longer, if they are able to drink and if you are able to squirt some liquified food into their mouth with a syringe. However, they'll hardly grow and eventually die. As far as I know, vets can't do anything about it but put a quick end to their suffering. The hatchlings are just too small. But by all means, consult your vet, and let us know how it goes. Good luck!