Russian tortoise beak, does it need trimming??

[jodygrindle]

I was told by a reptile vet that you don't need to trim beaks on tortoises. I think my tortoises beak is long, can't I get some advice?? I'll enclose a picture . It will be tomorrow.

 

[DerinLovesYoshi]

I have not seen the picture yet I am assuming you will upload it soon. Russian tortoises generally have longer beaks, however if you think that the beak is affecting the way your tortoise is living I would recommend a small trim.
I usually place a cuttlebone in my tortoises enclosure, they are helpful for beak health and an alternative source of calcium.
I hope this was helpful!

 

[wellington]

You need to find a new vet. Yours has obviously no clue about tortoises. Yes, sometimes they need to be trimmed. Russians seem to need a trim more than most. However, feeding on a flat stone or or piece of tile will help keep it filed down.

 

[jodygrindle]

I have not seen the picture yet I am assuming you will upload it soon. Russian tortoises generally have longer beaks, however if you think that the beak is affecting the way your tortoise is living I would recommend a small trim.
I usually place a cuttlebone in my tortoises enclosure, they are helpful for beak health and an alternative source of calcium.
I hope this was helpful!

I will upload soon

 

[Maro2Bear]

While we wait for “the pix”. Yes, a flat stone or slate will help maintain a tortoise’s beak, it really won’t help a beak that is over grown. An overgrown beak needs to first be trimmed, then fed on slate to help maintain the proper shape.

 

[wellington]

While we wait for “the pix”. Yes, a flat stone or slate will help maintain a tortoise’s beak, it really won’t help a beak that is over grown. An overgrown beak needs to first be trimmed, then fed on slate to help maintain the proper shape.

Depending actually on how over grien it is. Badly, then yes it would need some trimming. Not so bad, the stone if used will work.
If we ever get the picture, we will know if needed at all.

 

[jodygrindle]

Depending actually on how over grown it is. Badly, then yes it would need some trimming. Not so bad, the stone if used will work.
If we ever get the picture, we will know if needed at all.

She went to bed. I'll get pic up tomorrow

 

[jodygrindle]

She went to bed. I'll get pic up tomorrow

 

[zovick]

The tortoise's beak DOES need a good trimming, and hopefully by a vet who knows how to do it properly.

There are a couple of vets in the Marietta area who can do a nice job of it, but seeing your location in Murrayville, the closest good option might be taking it to the Exotics Department at the UGA Vet Hospital in Athens.

 

[jodygrindle]

The tortoise's beak DOES need a good trimming, and hopefully by a vet who knows how to do it properly.

There are a couple of vets in the Marietta area who can do a nice job of it, but seeing your location in Murrayville, the closest good option might be taking it to the Exotics Department at the UGA Vet Hospital in Athens.

I'll get on it. Thank you

 

[zovick]

@jodygrindle
Upon looking at my map, it appears Athens is only 8-10 miles closer to you than Marietta. If you want the names of the vets I know there, just ask.

 

[jodygrindle]

@jodygrindle
Upon looking at my map, it appears Athens is only 8-10 miles closer to you than Marietta. If you want the names of the vets I know there, just ask.

I found the vet that trimmed her beak a few years ago. I spoke to him and he's gonna do it

 

[zovick]

I found the vet that trimmed her beak a few years ago. I spoke to him and he's gonna do it

Sounds good. Once it is done, please post a new photo of the beak.

 

[jodygrindle]

Sounds good. Once it is done, please post a new photo of the beak.

Ok

 

[zovick]

Ok

Be aware that the trimming may need to be done in a couple of visits several months apart to get a truly desirable result. This is because only so much of the keratinized beak can be removed before reaching the underlying bone (which we do not want to involve). Waiting in between beak trimmings gives the bone a chance to recede so that more keratinized beak tissue can again be removed at a subsequent visit without hitting the bone. Eventually, the beak can be shaped properly which should then allow for normal wear to preclude the need for future trimming.

If it is not shaped properly to begin with, more overgrowth is very likely to occur. Just FYI, I am a dentist and have maintained tortoise beaks (when necessary) for 60+ years.

 

[jodygrindle]

Be aware that the trimming may need to be done in a couple of visits several months apart to get a truly desirable result. This is because only so much of the keratinized beak can be removed before reaching the underlying bone (which we do not want to involve). Waiting in between beak trimmings gives the bone a chance to recede so that more keratinized beak tissue can again be removed at a subsequent visit without hitting the bone. Eventually, the beak can be shaped properly which should then allow for normal wear to preclude the need for future trimming.

If it is not shaped properly to begin with, more overgrowth is very likely to occur. Just FYI, I am a dentist and have maintained tortoise beaks (when necessary) for 60+ years.

 

[jodygrindle]

Oh!!! Thanks for the info. I did not know that. I'll make sure the vet is aware.

 

[Cathie G]

Be aware that the trimming may need to be done in a couple of visits several months apart to get a truly desirable result. This is because only so much of the keratinized beak can be removed before reaching the underlying bone (which we do not want to involve). Waiting in between beak trimmings gives the bone a chance to recede so that more keratinized beak tissue can again be removed at a subsequent visit without hitting the bone. Eventually, the beak can be shaped properly which should then allow for normal wear to preclude the need for future trimming.

If it is not shaped properly to begin with, more overgrowth is very likely to occur. Just FYI, I am a dentist and have maintained tortoise beaks (when necessary) for 60+ years.

I knew this thread would help me out somehow someway. I'm probably late doing a trim for a second time but now I have a vet that I can actually meet for Sapphire. I didn't know that it should be done over several visits. Thank you.