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Concerned about Tegu underbite

blue_tegu Feb 19, 2004 01:48 PM

My blue's right lower lip has been sticking out slightly, exposing the pink fleshy gums. It's been like this for about a week or more, I've been keeping a close eye on it though. It hasn't worsened, or shown any signs of infection or inflammation, and she doesn't seem to be in any pain as she eats and chomps just as she always does. I'm including some pics here to help. Thanks.

Chris and Amika

Replies (7)

Everlight389 Feb 19, 2004 04:25 PM

I'd check for mouth rot (which is unlikely), but it just looks like a deformity. As long as she's eating healthily I would think that she would be fine.
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Currently have: Antherystic Corn Snake, Amelanistic Corn Snake, Oakatee Corn Snake, Leucistic Texas Ratsnake, and an Eastern Fox Snake

Saving for:
Jungle Carpet Python, Blue Tegu

kofseattle Feb 19, 2004 07:47 PM

Does your tegu get UVB AND calcium? It could be MDB but the best way to find out is at the vet. I would personally want to know rather than guess. IF it is MDB it can be reversed with proper care. The first step is proper diagnosis however. Best of luck with the little fella. Keep us posted on what you find out.
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Peace!
KofSeattle
Reptile-Like
Here lizard lizard.........

blue_tegu Feb 19, 2004 09:33 PM

I don't think there's anyway it's MBD since she's got a T-Rex Active UV light which puts out the most UVB in its class, according to the yahoo UV meter owners, and she should get plenty of calcium considering she eats atleast 3 mice a day. Possibly just a deformity I guess.

JADE2U Feb 19, 2004 10:48 PM

Doesn't look like a deformity to me, but who knows. I would venture a guess that it may be mouthrot. What bedding are you using? You said you have the right lighting, but you are not supplementing? I still supplement all my tegus' diets eventhough they all have UVA/UVB full spectrum lighting. Also, if the full spectrum lighting is too far away from your tegu (if the lighting is high above the basking spot etc.) this may cause a problem. Most people don't know that and most companies never put advisories on their lighting products either. I don't have personal experience with this, just going on reading lighting studies and such. I would definitely get her to a qualified vet.
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JS

"It's funny how from simple things, the best things begin."

jiffypop Feb 20, 2004 09:00 AM

The mucous membrane looks nice and pink and healthy. If the Tegu is eating and behaving normally I wouldn't suspect mouthrot...mouth rot is usually a secondary infection from something more serious going on. I'm wondering if there wasn't a slight injury to the mouth or jaw that is causing some temporary swelling? Maybe a piece of substrate stuck along the gum or tooth line? A trip to the vet would be a good idea? Pretty Tegu, best of luck!

madeleine Feb 20, 2004 10:50 PM

My B&W has the same thing. There's no infection, and there didn't seem to be any injury when it first appeared (when he was about four months old). As near as we've been able to tell, it's just a deformity. I'd still have it checked by a vet to rule out any other causes.

blue_tegu Feb 21, 2004 02:00 PM

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