tortoise underbite

My greek tortoise has an underbite but i heard that it was a sign of early mbd. My tortoise did have mbd when i first got him (softshell) but his shell recovered and is hard as a rock. He has never been sick, always has a healthy appetite, and gets plenty of calcium and sunlight. I was wondering, because his underbite began long after the shell had healed, why this happened. It seems to make it harder for him to eat. I heard that you may be able to slowly file the jaw down but i am afraid to do that. any suggestions?

Comments for tortoise underbite

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Jan 30, 2010

Tortoise Underbite
by: Shelly

You are correct that the underbite can cause feeding problems, so you will want to address the issues.

I can't say why the underbite developed.

You can help by trimming the beak. I suggest you take your pet to the vet and ask to be shown how to do the job properly. Then you can decide if this is something you want to do yourself or if it's something you want to have a professional do ongoing.

Keep it slow and steady.

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