Broken Jaw

[Kimmer76]

I fear that my BD has a broken jaw. I purchased him/her from Petco October 15th, so I am unsure of the age. Hadn't been eating much since I brought it home. Researched this forum and bought all the necessary equipment for a 40 gallon terrarium. UVB lights, logs, hammock, etc. I tried feeding with infant oral syringe and it started eating just fine. Went in to feed it couple days ago and the jaw appears broken. It looks split right down the center of the chin.
Please help!!

 

[CooperDragon]

Oh poor guy! I would find an experienced reptile vet and bring him in as soon as you can. An experienced vet may be able to immobilize his jaw to heal and provide a feeding tube. Did he injure his jaw or do you see signs of infection that could have caused bone weakness? If there is an infection in his jaw that will need to be addressed too. In the meantime I would keep offering him some baby food and water in very small amounts several times per day to give him some hydration and nutrition. Just be very careful not to disturb his jaw (the best you can).

 

[Kimmer76]

Great! Thank you so much! I am off 3 days next week, for Thanksgiving, so I will have time to take him in. I do not see signs of infection and I've been allowing him to lick food off the tip of the syringe. I've also made sure that he's getting reptivite daily.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Poor thing, I am sure that doesn't feel real good. A vet could get that set & taken care so it will heal up properly while he is still young & growing.
A feeding tube is helpful, or using a small syringe is good also, if you feel he is getting enough to eat that way. Several feedings per day is needed though, since he is so young.

Let us know how he is doing.

Tracie

 

[Kimmer76]

I certainly will and thank you for replying. I saw on another post where one person suggested plastic pipettes. I ordered some today in an effort to make it a little easier for him to eat.

 

[CooperDragon]

Those are a good idea. They work on the same idea as the plastic syringes. Just be sure to rinse and clean them thoroughly after each use so bacteria doesn't build up.

 

[Kimmer76]

Unfortunately my BD didn't make it. He got so weak today that he finally gave up. Not sure how he went down hill so quickly. My daughter is absolutely distraught about the whole thing. I wish we could've saved him but I don't think there was anything else I could've done differently.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Oh no! He looked so feisty in the pictures. I am so sorry that you lost him. It sounds like you did all you could for him, but at least he wasn't alone.
My sincere condolences to you & your family.


Tracie

 

[CooperDragon]

I'm saddened to hear this. Poor little guy. At least he didn't suffer for long. You did the best you could to help him.