Urgent Care :: RES mouth (Beak) broken/chipped

[prdmommyof3]

My son has had 2 RES since June '07. They are about 5" in diameter, and have been very happy thus far. We live in Phoenix and my son takes them outside on nice days to get some good sun exposure.

Last night my son ran into my room to tell me that one of his turtle's mouth was cracked. Thinking that he was just seeing some shedding or something, I casually walked in to see that one turtle's beak was chipped, and missing part of the side. His temperment is fine, as is his appetite. He seems quite content. He must have walked off of the dock and hit a decoration (which we have since removed). I am not an expert, but I'm not sure that even if I took him to an exotics vet that there is anything that could be done. Will it heal on its own? It is a large chip out.

Here are answers to all of the questions I was instructed to answer:

How big is your turtle? 5 "
How long have you had it? 7 months

What is the water temperature? don't know
Did you use a thermometer? no
Are you using a water heater? no
How much water is in there? 1/2 tank
Are you using a water conditioner? yes
Are you using any filtration? yes

What is the basking temperature? don't know
Is there a basking light? yes
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? yes
What kind is it or what is it made out of? floating turtle dock
Is there a UVB light? yes

What have you been trying to feed it? turtle pellets, goldfish once a month, sometimes veggies
When was the last time your turtle ate? tonight

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 50 gallons
Is the tank near a window? no
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? no

Have you read the Basic Care section? yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? yes

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? no

[steve]

How large is the chip? Was there any bleeding/is the area raw?

[megcornell]

Can you post a picture of the injury?
If the beak has chipped right off there's nothing a vet can do to replace it but it may be wise to see one to get some strong antibiotics to prevent a mouth infection.

[prdmommyof3]

I will try to get a picture of the chip today. It looks raw to me, but like I said I'm not an expert. There is no bleeding, and the turtle (Charlie) really doesn't seem to be affected.

Until tonight, when I'll try to figure out how to post a picture. THanks for the insight; it eases my minf any my little 6 year old guy!

[marisa]

A pic would really be good (there are directions for how to post on the site). Is the area only chipped or is there a crack that extends further into the area as well?

I have to ask---what kind of decoration was there in the tank that he could have it to have caused this?

[prdmommyof3]

Here is a picture of Charlie. Also, the decoration that I thing hurt him is a 3" in diameter plastic skull. It was the only think that was in the aquarium other than the dock.

By the way, he doesn't seem tender when I touch his mouth, and the whole area is still hard...nothing is soft or raw like I thought it was. Just lookes that way. Appetite is still up and attitude is completely normal.

[SpotsMama]

I would think that at the least that jagged area should be trimmed or smoothed. I looks like it would be constantly catching on things as it is. Do you know a good vet that could take a look at him?

[prdmommyof3]

I have a vet for my domestic animals, but when I called him about Charlie he said that he was not an exotic specialist. I don't even know how to look for one...any suggestions? My vet didn't know of one in the area either.

[SpotsMama]

Vets that treat reptiles will advertise that they take exotics. If no one in your area is advertising that way, you might call your closest zoo - they will probably have reptiles and someone that takes care of them - or the closest university in your vicinity that trains veterinarians. You may be able to find someone who will at least talk to you on the phone. They may know someone who can help you directly.

[LOBO]

http://www.herpvetconnection.com/


just select your state and this site will give ua list of vets

[prdmommyof3]

Wow, that was a great link. THanks for the advice. I will definately try to get an appointment with them this week.

I'll let you know what the vet says.

Thanks again!!

[marisa]

What's left of his beak looks very overgrown, which is probably why it broke. From the pic, in addition to smoothing out the jagged area, it looks like the rest of the beak should be trimmed a bit.

If you can't find a vet using the above link, there's a post at the top of the Urgent Care Forum. Good luck.

[industrial_girl_2000]

Wow, poor guy! Yeah, his beak looks a bit overgrown. Keep us posted on what the vet says/does for him.

[prdmommyof3]

Hmm...none of the things I have read on RES had made mention of trimming their beaks. Could this have been the reason that it chipped? I can't get an appt with the vet until Monday; I'll let you know what she says.

Also, got some info online on how to trip their beaks; gently grasp the side of their head and open their mouth with a credit card, then slowly file the overgrowth with a paper nail file.

Sounds scary; I'm afraid that I'll hurt his head. I think I'll bring both turtles with me on Monday to have the vet see if she can file them down.

Thanks for all the info and care!

I'll keep you posted.

[Bascomb]

pmommy-3 -- what ever you do, find out if he can eat okay. He may have trouble with some foods. Feed him what he will eat while you are getting his beak repaired of filed off.