Horsefield Attack

[Rebecca48]

Please can I have some advice.
My 2x 8 year old males are separated in an open top enclosure as they started fighting a few years ago.
Whilst at work on Thursday, one of the tortoises (larger one) managed to climb over.[/size][/font] The other tortoise has been violently attacked.
Scales are missing from his leg and the whole of his chin is raw and beak chipped.They were both asleep when I arrived home but my injured tort was facing the side with everything tucked in.
My Vet gave me advice over the phone about cleaning his neck but I'm worried that he may have the inside of his mouth damaged. It's as if he can't put his beak together because there's a gap- or cud this be because his beak's chipped?
Can anyone advise?

 

[Torty Mom]

Awe poor guy, IMO, I would take him to the vet. There could be other injuries that a trained eye, would see. I hope your tortie is going to be ok. Sounds like you are going to need 2 separate enclosures now. Hang in there!

 

[jensgotfaith]

So crazy. I would take him to the vet too. Better safe than sorry. What a bummer. Can you make the walls a bit higher or cap the corners so the big guy can't climb over?

 

[ascott]

I would try to feed him something by hand that he loves and really watch his motion when he is eating....you may be able then to see if his mouth is closing completely as well as get a glimpse inside of his mouth...maybe a good soaking in absolutely clean warm water would make him feel better plus will really help to clean out any issues on his chin...also..if you keep him outdoors during the day and he has open bites or his skin surface is broken in any way you will want to be mindful of fly issues...you know what flies do with open wounds...not pretty...I wish him the best and these guys absolutely can turn into gladiators...its crazy.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Rebecca48:

I know you've been a member for a long time, but did we ever know your name and where you are?

It would be a good idea to keep the injured tortoise in the house for a week or so because flies will find the raw spots and lay eggs on it.

For their size, Russian tortoises are very aggressive! They cause quite a bit of injury during mating also.

The above suggestion about hand feeding a bite is a pretty good one. That way you can get a good look at what's going on with the mouth.

 

[GeoTerraTestudo]

Wow, I wish I could advise. I have seen injured turtles, but never like that. Could you please post pictures of the injured tortoise so we can see how he looks? You might also want to take your tortoise to a local expert or veterinarian so it can get a thorough exam, and so you can get a good prescription on how to care for him. Best of luck.

 

[Melly-n-shorty]

is it possible the tortoise isn't closing its mouth because it hurts too? I hope he is ok! keep us posted.

 

[October]

Not too long ago someone on here posted a picture of her tortoise that had it's beak trimmed way too short. There was an obvious gap in his mouth when it was closed. I wonder if that's what you're seeing. I really hope it's nothing worse. Poor guy. How is the other one? Any battle wounds?

Let us know what happens, I hope everything goes well.

 

[Rebecca48]

Thank you everyone for your advice.
Yes, I became a member a long time. My name is Rebecca and my tortoises are George and Mildred. (since found out they're male!)
I gave him his favourite treat a tiny bit of corn on the cob, he tried eating it but he couldn't bite it. It was if he was sucking it and couldn't snap the food. When I do break a tiny bit off, he doesn't open his mouth. It's the same with green beans.
I'm going to take photographs and attempt to post. I do take them regularly to my b
vet who is the reptile specialist in my area. They have always been in perfect condition (so please don't give me advice on the dangers of corn on the cob) he doesn't get it often and I was desperate for him to eat.
He is indoors and safe.
Thank you