Reptiles and Amphibians Q&A 18

This question was provided by Manson Publishing as part of the OVAL Project. See more Reptiles and Amphibians Q&A.

This diamondback terrapin has a disorder involving its mouth parts.

Question	Answer		Article
What is your diagnosis?	Malocclusion due to the accumulation of keratinous debris.		Link to Article
How would you treat this condition?	With only manual restraint being necessary, hold the terrapin’s mouth open and, using a small dental instrument, remove the accumulated debris. These deposits lift away easily from the subjacent normal oral tissues.		Link to Article
What measures can be taken to prevent this condition from recurring?	In their natural habitat, the diet of these terrapins consists mainly of small marine molluscs, such as periwinkles and other snail-like shelled invertebrates. When these molluscs are consumed, their hard shells abrade the terrapins’ oral tissues, thus keeping them free of excessive keratin debris. The diet fed to captive chelonians should include food items that are mildly abrasive – small periwinkle-type marine snails and/or dry commercial turtle or trout chow are suitable for this purpose.		Link to Article