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Beak Overgrowth - Chelonia (view source)
Revision as of 11:02, 14 September 2011
, 11:02, 14 September 2011Created page with "==Introduction== '''Beak overgrowth''' is a common problem in chelonia. The animals normally presents with '''malocclusion''', which can be secondary to either the build up of ..."
==Introduction==
'''Beak overgrowth''' is a common problem in chelonia.
The animals normally presents with '''malocclusion''', which can be secondary to either the build up of '''keratinous debris''' or '''overgrowth of the keratinous mouthparts''' themselves. Overgrowth is most commonly seen in the '''upper beak''' - this is known as '''rhamphotheca'''.
There are multiple causes for this overgrowth, including '''inappropriate diet''' (high protein/no abrasive components to the diet), '''nutritional osteodystrophy''' and '''rapid growth'''. It is most commonly a consequence of owners '''not''' providing enough '''abrasive material''' in the diet.
==Clinical Signs==
On presentation, there are signs of beak overgrowth and malocclusion. In severe cases subluxation of the temporomandibular articulation can occur. The animal may have a history of anorexia or difficulty eating.
==Diagnosis==
A diagnosis can be made based on '''history and clinical signs alone'''. Additionally, '''[[Radiology|radiography]]''' should be performed of the skull to determine how much trimming is required.
==Treatment==
The overgrown mouthparts of the chelonia can be '''trimmed''' using a '''burr'''. It there is severe overgrowth, trimming should be '''staged''' so that the mouthparts are gradually returned to their normal size.
If there is a build-up of '''keratinous debris''', this can be removed using a '''small dental instrument'''. Only manual restraint is required for this procedure because the debris should come away from the normal tissue with ease.
==Prevention==
Abrasive food such as '''cuttlefish, periwinkles and other shelled invertebrates''' should be provided for the chelonia. Some '''specialist chelonia feeds''' are also available for this purpose. Additionally, normal food may be placed on a '''hard and abrasive surface''' to encourage beak wear.
==Prognosis==
Prognosis is very '''good''' (unless overgrowth is very severe), however '''management changes''' are necessary to prevent recurrence.
{{Learning
|flashcards = [[Reptiles and Amphibians Q&A 18]]
}}
==References==
Frye, FL & Williams, DL (1995) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review - Reptiles & Amphibians''' ''Manson''
Goodman, G (2007) '''Common dermatoses in reptiles''' ''In Practice 2007 29: 288-293''
[[Category: To Do - Siobhan Brade]]
[[Category:To Do - Manson review]]
'''Beak overgrowth''' is a common problem in chelonia.
The animals normally presents with '''malocclusion''', which can be secondary to either the build up of '''keratinous debris''' or '''overgrowth of the keratinous mouthparts''' themselves. Overgrowth is most commonly seen in the '''upper beak''' - this is known as '''rhamphotheca'''.
There are multiple causes for this overgrowth, including '''inappropriate diet''' (high protein/no abrasive components to the diet), '''nutritional osteodystrophy''' and '''rapid growth'''. It is most commonly a consequence of owners '''not''' providing enough '''abrasive material''' in the diet.
==Clinical Signs==
On presentation, there are signs of beak overgrowth and malocclusion. In severe cases subluxation of the temporomandibular articulation can occur. The animal may have a history of anorexia or difficulty eating.
==Diagnosis==
A diagnosis can be made based on '''history and clinical signs alone'''. Additionally, '''[[Radiology|radiography]]''' should be performed of the skull to determine how much trimming is required.
==Treatment==
The overgrown mouthparts of the chelonia can be '''trimmed''' using a '''burr'''. It there is severe overgrowth, trimming should be '''staged''' so that the mouthparts are gradually returned to their normal size.
If there is a build-up of '''keratinous debris''', this can be removed using a '''small dental instrument'''. Only manual restraint is required for this procedure because the debris should come away from the normal tissue with ease.
==Prevention==
Abrasive food such as '''cuttlefish, periwinkles and other shelled invertebrates''' should be provided for the chelonia. Some '''specialist chelonia feeds''' are also available for this purpose. Additionally, normal food may be placed on a '''hard and abrasive surface''' to encourage beak wear.
==Prognosis==
Prognosis is very '''good''' (unless overgrowth is very severe), however '''management changes''' are necessary to prevent recurrence.
{{Learning
|flashcards = [[Reptiles and Amphibians Q&A 18]]
}}
==References==
Frye, FL & Williams, DL (1995) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review - Reptiles & Amphibians''' ''Manson''
Goodman, G (2007) '''Common dermatoses in reptiles''' ''In Practice 2007 29: 288-293''
[[Category: To Do - Siobhan Brade]]
[[Category:To Do - Manson review]]