Desert Tortoise Lower Jaw Shaking

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Jun 5, 2018
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90039 (CA)
We have a 25 year old desert tortoise and noticed for the last week his lower jaw has been shaking when he goes to eat something. This is most prominent first thing in the morning, or when he's woken up from a nap. The more he eats, the less his lower jaw shakes. There doesn't seem to be anything visibly wrong with his jaw or his mouth. Other than this, he's acting completely normal, walking around, eating throughout the day, regular healthy bowel movements etc. We have a vet appointment a week from today, but want to ask - has anyone else seen this before?
 

ascott

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Apple Valley, California
We have a 25 year old desert tortoise and noticed for the last week his lower jaw has been shaking when he goes to eat something. This is most prominent first thing in the morning, or when he's woken up from a nap. The more he eats, the less his lower jaw shakes. There doesn't seem to be anything visibly wrong with his jaw or his mouth. Other than this, he's acting completely normal, walking around, eating throughout the day, regular healthy bowel movements etc. We have a vet appointment a week from today, but want to ask - has anyone else seen this before?

If he is acting completely normal then why the stressful vet trip? Is there anyway you can post a vid of what you are referring to?
 

ascott

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Here's a video of it doing it before each bite:


That tortoise is gorgeous and completely normal bite.....you may want to loosen your grip on the food item being offered...the tort usually gets a bit and kinda brings it into their mouth and keeps moving it into their mouth....I would cancel that vet visit as that tort is displaying 100% normal bite....
 
Joined
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Messages
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Location (City and/or State)
90039 (CA)
Thanks!!! That's good to know. The little pre-bite jitter he's doing is new, and hence why we were concerned.

As for the vet, is it ever helpful to have any sort of routine vet appointments (check for kidney stones, etc?)
 

ascott

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10 Year Member!
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Location (City and/or State)
Apple Valley, California
Thanks!!! That's good to know. The little pre-bite jitter he's doing is new, and hence why we were concerned.

As for the vet, is it ever helpful to have any sort of routine vet appointments (check for kidney stones, etc?)

I don't agree....but that is how the world turns....have a great night. :)
 

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